Youth win at business awards

Three young people from Ray Nkonyeni Municipality walked away with cheques worth thousands of rands at the Youth and Women in Business Awards held in Durban last week.

Goodluck Martin Nzimande placed first and won R100 000.

The runner-up, Nomcebo Nzimakwe, won R80 000, and Sekelo Shude bagged R20 000.

Also, Thandi Shezi of Umzumbe Municipality won R50 000.

An initiative of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and the Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC), the awards aim to recognise the contributions of young entrepreneurs and women who drive economic growth, job creation, and innovation in their communities.

The IDFC Board of Directors chairperson, Sihle Mkhize, said as part of their broader mission to support youth and women entrepreneurs, in 2015, IDFC introduced two landmark programmes, Inkunz’isematholeni Youth in Business and Imbokodo Iyazenzela Women in Business.

He said these enterprise development programmes targeted the challenge of economic exclusion faced by Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in KZN, with a special focus on women, youth, and rural and township business revival.

Meanwhile, the KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Musa Zondi, said they were proud to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the youth and women.

Zondi said their contributions drive economic development and inspire innovation, resilience, and progress in KZN.

“These awards are a testament to the untapped potential within our communities and a call to action for greater investment in their growth and success. We remain committed to creating an enabling environment where youth and women can thrive, lead and continue making a meaningful impact across various sectors,” he said.

IDFC group chief executive Pearl Bengu said they are deeply committed to supporting and empowering youth and women entrepreneurs.

“IDFC’s legacy is grounded on the premise that we are the bridge to a better life. We see opportunities for people where others see risks. In our quest to transform people’s dreams into reality, we believe in walking with them through every stage of development. We are committed to creating opportunities that empower youth and women. But we know that such efforts cannot be successful in isolation; it takes partnerships, collaboration, and a shared commitment to effect real and lasting change,” said Bengu.

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