National Youth Development Agency

TESTIMONIAL THURSDAY

Celebrating the Vhembe Youth in Business Competition 2026 Winners!

The Vhembe Youth in Business Competition 2026 recognised and rewarded outstanding young entrepreneurs whose businesses are making a meaningful impact in their communities and local economy.

Through the competition, winners received business support tailored to their enterprises, enabling them to strengthen operations, expand their reach and unlock new opportunities for growth.

These entrepreneurs represent the next generation of job creators, innovators and industry leaders. Their journeys serve as an inspiration to other young people to pursue their business ambitions and contribute to building a more inclusive and prosperous economy.

This initiative is a result of a partnership between the Vhembe District Municipality, NYDA, Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), University of Venda, as well as Department of Agriculture in the Vhembe District.

TESTIMONIAL THURSDAY

Minenhle Dlamini from Ulundi in KZN, is creating opportunities for herself and other young people in her community through her sound hiring and events business.

This 26-year-old young woman is the founder of MINANAWE Production, who began her entrepreneurial journey while completing her N6 Certificate in Human Resources Management. She worked tirelessly to promote her services and grow her client base.

Through the NYDA Grant Programme, Minenhle received financial support which enabled her to acquire much-needed equipment to strengthen and expand her operations.

Her business not only provides professional sound and event services but further creates employment opportunities for youth.

The NYDA in partnership with Lights on the Hill and Constitution Hill, is commemorating 30 years of the Constitution of South Africa through the 30 Under 30 Programme.

The programme provides a platform to reflect on the country's democratic journey over the past three decades while exploring aspirations, opportunities, and possibilities for the next 30 years of youth development and nation-building.

The Executive Director responsible for NYDA Operations, Ms. Nontsikelelo Makaula, engaged young people at the Youth Economic Indaba which is being held at The Church of Johannesburg.

Ms. Makaula unpacked the comprehensive range of NYDA programmes and opportunities that are aimed at empowering young people through education, skills development, entrepreneurship support, civic participation, and pathways to employment.

“All NYDA products and services are offered at no cost to youth,” she urged attendees to register and apply through the NYDA ERP: https://erp.nyda.gov.za/.

The session also featured representatives from partner departments and entities, who shared information on additional funding, support mechanisms, and development opportunities available to young entrepreneurs across South Africa.

NYDA Head of Economic Research, Tshepo Moloi, is participating in the SA Youth Unemployment Roundtable Strategy webinar hosted by Regenesys today, Thursday, 25 June 2026, from 14:00 to 15:00.

The discussion, themed "From Participation to Permanence: Bridging the Gap Between Temporary Stimulus and Sustainable Youth Careers", will explore evidence-based approaches to addressing youth unemployment and strengthening pathways towards sustainable economic participation for young people.

TESTIMONIAL THURSDAY

The 24-years-old Samkelo Ndlela from Osuthu in Nongoma, is proving that disability is not a limitation to success.

Before receiving support from the NYDA Grant Programme, Samkelo worked at a local tuckshop while nurturing the dream of running his own business. Through information shared within a community network for persons with disabilities, he learned about the opportunities available through the NYDA and took the first step.

Samkelo operates a grass-cutting and yard maintenance business, which offers services such as grass cutting, yard maintenance and tree felling. With the support of the NYDA, he was able to acquire essential business equipment.

Despite being wheelchair-bound, Samkelo has built a business that not only sustains him but also creates opportunities for others, by employing two young people in his community.

TESTIMONIAL THURSDAY

Congratulations to Azwikonei Ramalivhana who is the owner of Randimu Supply & Trading, for emerging as the winner of the Vhembe Youth in Business Competition 2026 in the Agriculture category and securing R100 000 in business support.

This achievement is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and entrepreneurship among South Africa's young people.

Through this competition, the Vhembe District Municipality in partnership with NYDA, Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), University of Venda, and the Department of Agriculture in the Vhembe District, continue to unlock opportunities for economic participation, job creation, and sustainable development for youth.

NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE IMPACT STORIES!

A heartfelt thank you to all the students from Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Computer Skills & Digital Entrepreneurship Programme who participated in this impactful initiative.

Your discipline, dedication, and commitment played a meaningful role in making the programme a success.

The NYDA further extends its sincere appreciation to The Difference Makers Youth Organization, Charlestown Community Care Centre and the Department of Social Development (DSD) for their valued partnership and continued support in successfully implementing this programme.

The NYDA Executive Director, Ms Nontsikelelo Makaula, will tomorrow, Thursday, 25 June 2026, participate in the Youth Economic Indaba at The Church of Johannesburg (The Dome) in Claremont, Johannesburg.

The Indaba forms part of ongoing efforts to create platforms that advance youth economic participation by expanding access to funding, business incubation programmes, enterprise support services, and skills development opportunities for young people.

The NYDA continues to invest in youth empowerment through grant support initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

As part of Youth Month commemorations, the NYDA will host a Grant Beneficiary Cheque Handover Ceremony, where financial support will be presented to young beneficiaries to strengthen and grow their enterprises.

The ceremony will be joined by NYDA Board Member and Person with Disability, Mr. Sibusiso Makhathini, who will engage with beneficiaries and stakeholders during this important occasion on Friday, 26 June 2026, from 10:00 at Alfred Nzo Conference Centre, Mount Ayliff, Eastern Cape