SITEKI – Young people in Siteki have new opportunities to start and grow businesses after the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) and Siteki Town Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 20 March 2026 at the Lubombo Youth Business Seminar.
The partnership aims to tackle youth unemployment by providing practical support for young entrepreneurs, moving beyond policy talk to tangible business opportunities.
“The current policies are not youth-friendly, yet young people make up about 60% of the population. Their participation is crucial,” said Mr Mandla Nkambule, CEO of YERF.
YERF plans to bridge the gap between youth and key institutions by offering funding, skills development, and protection for youth business spaces. Areas of focus include landscaping, smart city innovations, and other entrepreneurial ventures.
“We need innovative ideas from the youth to help us build smart cities,” said Mr Nsikelelo Dlamini, Acting Town Clerk for Siteki Town Council. He added that the Council is supporting young entrepreneurs with business registration and fostering stronger collaboration between institutions and youth-led projects.
The partnership will provide young people with access to funding through the Youth Fund, business skills training, growth support for small and medium enterprises, and opportunities to build, lead, and employ others.
Siteki youth are now being encouraged to bring their ideas forward, with the backing of both YERF and the Town Council.
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