EThekwini Municipality has welcomed KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli’s commitment to youth-orientated initiatives and developmental programmes.

ETHEKWINI Municipality hosted and supported the Premier-led Youth in Business Summit at the Durban Exhibition Centre. The summit encouraged youth development, entrepreneurship and involvement in the mainstream economy throughout the province. KwaZulu-Natal’s newly elected Premier Thami Ntuli said youth-oriented programmes will be a priority throughout the tenure of his administration.

As part of government’s interventions to fighting the scourge of unemployment, through the Premier’s Office, provincial government has created a suite of funding schemes which includes the Premier’s Youth Empowerment Fund which has been increased from R60 million to R100 million. “This programme seeks to afford the youth of this province with an opportunity to interact with strategic business leaders and to also share their views and ideas on how they (the youth) would want this province of KwaZulu-Natal
to aid their initiatives and programmes,” said Premier Ntuli.

Hosted under the theme ‘Young people taking charge in leading economic development’, Premier Ntuli said the summit is a catalyst for change and a platform for dialogue. “The Executive Council and government have identified youth unemployment, youth development, and financial backing for youth-owned enterprises as some of the key priorities for the seventh administration,” he said. EThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni applauded the Premier-led initiative. “When we give business access to young entrepreneurs, we will be ensuring that we transform the economy,” said Deputy Mayor Myeni.