Siseko Lisbon, is a 30-year-old male from Port Elizabeth in Eastern Cape. His dream was to start his own business so that he can be able to make a living for himself, father and six (6) siblings.   He heard about the NYDA from social media and approached the NYDA Port Elizabeth Branch to enquire about the products and services that are offered by the agency.

“I was advised by one of the consultants at NYDA that the agency offers grants to young entrepreneurs like myself who need assistance with establishing their businesses. I then visited their branch in Port Elizabeth and the assistance from the team was pleasant and beneficial. The staff was very helpful, attentive and responsive” said Siseko.   

Siseko, went through the process of Business Management Training and applying for the NYDA Grant Funding to the value of R50 000 in November 2018. He used the funding to buy business equipment such as chairs, tables, boards, laptops and stationery. Siseko’s business is called Sawbrious Educational Academy which offers trainings and tutorial sessions. He currently employs three (3) young people on a full-time basis and six (6) are temps.  Siseko intends to grow his business in the future.

“To young people, use all platforms given to you by NYDA and other youth development institutions to enhance and develop your personality. Take a chance while they are still available and put your dreams into actions” said Siseko. 

“I would like to thank the NYDA Port Elizabeth Branch for their pleasant and great support.  That was so humbling. I feel like I am part of the family,” Siseko concluded.

Trudy Windy Mkansi is a 30-year-old young woman who established her own business after completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management.

Ambesha Africa (Pty) Ltd is her company, which manufactures handcrafted patio furniture, lounge suites and swing chairs. Trudy operates her business in Riversands and has a branch in Kyalami, Gauteng. The NYDA assisted the young aspiring entrepreneur with financial support for her business. She received a Grant Funding of R 113 995, 00 to purchase business material and equipment.

Her first encounter with the agency was through social media when one young person expressed their words of gratitude to the NYDA Johannesburg Branch on Facebook. She then visited the same branch to access further information. The branch advised her to submit all required documents, which she did, and her Grant Funding was approved.

The company currently employs four (4) permanent staff members as well as four (4) people on a temporary basis. 

The 23-year-old Kutloano Mokoena from Bayswater in Bloemfontein is a Business Management graduate who obtained her qualification from Motheo TVET College. Kutloano is also a founder of Mristo Soaps, a manufacturing company that specialises in cleaning detergents for households and industrial purposes.

She visited the NYDA Bloemfontein Branch after being encouraged by one of her customers. The branch enrolled her on both the Generate Your Business Idea (GYI) and Start Your Business (SYI) trainings. Kutloano received her first Voucher for Financial and Accounting Systems in February 2018.  

The agency further assisted the young aspiring entrepreneur with a Grant Funding of R49 991, 52 to purchase business equipment in May 2018, as well as the Business Plan Voucher in August of the same year. 

Beauty Sandt from Kathu in the Northern Cape Province is a qualified beautician who turned her passion into business, upon completing her studies.

She began with operating the business, Bontleful Beauty Spa, at her parents' home until the clientele grew and could no longer attend to all the needs of her customers. At this point, Beauty decided to seek assistance through the NYDA Kimberley Branch in order to improve her services.

The agency approved a Grant Funding to the value of R50, 000. 00 to buy hair products and equipment for her business, which employed two (2) young people at the time.

Presently, Beauty has managed to move her business from her parents’ backyard to Kathu Mall in Northern Cape. Beauty has joint ventures with other companies for wellness programmes, and her business has further expanded its staff capacity. From previously employing two (2), the young aspiring entrepreneur has five (5) young people that she works with full-time.

Bontleful Beauty Spa now services Khathu-based clientele only, but they are aiming to expand to serve the entire Northern Cape. 

Ms. Sipamandla Manqele is an NYDA Beneficiary who has been selected as one of the Mail and Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans 2019.

She is a 28-year-old entrepreneur breaking fresh ground in the realm of agro-processing with her business, Local Village Foods. Her business produces a variety of artisanal and organic foods and has built a compelling value proposition within a niche health market. Manqele’s business has been running for three years and has already proven itself a viable and valuable startup, providing employment and community growth.

“I am inspired by our continent, Africa, its diverse cultures and its quest for social and economic unity,” says Manqele. “My startup was founded on a vision to create a network of vibrant and local agri-preneurs across Africa, all supplying equitably sourced and sustainably grown indigenous African ingredients to the global village. My goal is to connect ethical producers with conscious consumers, as this is the key to cultivating a better world.”

Manqele’s immediate plans are to scale up the business and take it to bigger retailers in South African and beyond the borders. She wants to play a role in the implementation of free and fair trade across Africa. Manqele advises any young South African looking to build their own story of success to look to who benefits from what they do.

“Work is a gift we should receive with open arms; there are no shortcuts, and instant gratification should not be something we pursue,” she concluded.

Jabulani Molefe from Ventersdorp in North West started his business, J Allegiant Printing, as a source of generating income for himself when he was still a student at one of the tertiary institutions.

His realisation of the need for his services in the community influenced his decision to continue with the business on a full-time basis. J Allegiant Printing offers customised printing services from items including mugs, caps, t-shirts, key rings, mouse pads, and many others. Initially, he would outsource the printing services, but reinvested in his own business by purchasing a printing machine and computer.

The clients continuously propose additional services that they would like to access through J Allegiant Printing, as the business enjoys growth. The young aspiring entrepreneur responded to the demands of his clients. However, the plea meant that Jabulani add more equipment In order to effectively deliver on his promise.

He then approached the NYDA for financial assistance. The agency enrolled him on the Business Management Training (Start Your Business) Course, which he has applauded for assisting him to run his business better. The NYDA subsequently supported Jabulani with the Grant Funding of R50 000.00 to acquire the necessary machinery.

Thembekile Mahintsho is a 33-year-old young man from Milnerton in the Western Cape Province who holds a Certificate in Hospitality.

He heard about the NYDA through the Cape Winelands Municipality and decided to visit the Cape Town branch for further information and possible assistance, as one of his aspirations had always been to start his own healthcare business.

Upon his arrival at the branch, the Cape Town-based young aspiring entrepreneur was advised that the agency offers the Business Management Training course and Grant Funding opportunities to youth with viable business ideas.

Thembekile subsequently enrolled for the course, which is aimed at creating a conducive environment for young entrepreneurs to access relevant entrepreneurship skills, knowledge, values and attitudes for their businesses. The NYDA assisted him with the Grant Funding of R9 984.46 to purchase merchandise for his business, Mangethe Enterprises Medical Store (Pty) LTD, which has since been featured in one of the reputable media houses in South Africa.

The business currently employs one young wellness assistant and, the young aspiring entrepreneur believes that the South African youth is capable of attaining great things. Thembekile further emphasises that young people should keep on learning in order to constantly empower themselves and expand their possibilities.  

Sibani Engineering is a Science and Engineering-orientated organisation that offers Waste Management services, which include general, as well as hazardous waste disposal, scrap metal and recycling of Polyurethane waste.

Mpande Masondo started the company after taking note of the high demand of hazardous waste management services in his community. He was still a trainee metallurgist at Anglo Coal at the time. Although Mpande used his own money to establish the company, the young entrepreneur still needed more capital to meet the high demand for his services. He then approached the NYDA Emalahleni Branch for further financial assistance. The NYDA assisted Sibani Engineering with the Grant Funding of R 60 000, 00 to purchase skip bins, which were to be placed at various mines.

Mr. Masondo approached different mines where he intended to collect waste products from. The company has since created 18 permanent employment opportunities and, has a potential to create more. In further supporting his business, the agency supported Sibani Engineering with a branding Voucher worth R15 400, 00.

Zandile Mguli, is a 29-year-old female from Gugulethu, Cape Town in Western Cape. Raised by her mother and her younger sisters, her dream was to start her own business so that she can be able to assist her mother who is the sole breadwinner.  She approached the NYDA Cape Town Branch to enquire about the products and services offered by the agency.

“I was advised at a workshop held at ICYE that the NYDA offers grants to young entrepreneurs like myself who need assistance with establishing their businesses. I then visited their office in Cape Town and the assistance from the team was of high order. The staff was very helpful, attentive and responsive,” says Ms Mguli.

Zandile, went through the process of EDP training and applying for the NYDA Grant Funding to the value of R28 000, 00 to buy business equipment and merchandise.  Mguli’s application was approved in November 2018. She now runs a small business called Fish Anchor.  She currently employs one young person on a permanent basis and a temp.  She intends to employ more young people and grow from home to an industrial area around Cape Town.

When asked about her future goals Ms Mguli said, “I would like to own a shop in one of the malls and all over the province.”

“To young entrepreneurs and youth, believe in what you want to achieve, go and get it as it won’t come to you. Be consistent and you will get better results. Anything is possible,” says Ms Mguli.

Ms Mguli also thanked the NYDA Cape Town Branch for their pleasant support and the smooth grant application.

Keneilwe Maluse from Vryburg in the North West Province is a 32-year-old owner of Maraba Manor, a private house offering accommodation to paying guests.

She studied Chemical Engineering but decided to take a turn and focus on her own business, which started with only two rooms. Maraba Manor has about four rooms to date. To guarantee that her guests receive a cosy and comfortable stay, as in one's own home, the NYDA assisted the young aspiring entrepreneur with a Grant Funding of R44 059 to purchase furniture including beds, microwave ovens and fridges.

The young and vibrant Keneilwe said the support she received from the NYDA impacted her business greatly as she is now receiving plenty of bookings from neighboring towns, due to the improved experience that she has been able to sell to her clients. As her business is growing rapidly, Keneilwe plans to open another branch soon. Maraba Manor has about two full-time staff members currently.

She encourages young entrepreneurs to exercise persistence and asserts that those in the Hospitality Industry should constantly strive to provide a hygienic and honest service to clients

The 26-year-old Katlego Kamogelo Mathathe from Meadowlands in Soweto is the founder of Eco Finesse, a company that specialises in manufacturing and supplying of hygiene and healthcare detergents. Their leading products are dishwashing liquid and pine gel.

The young aspiring entrepreneur was introduced to the NYDA when the agency was conducting a training in Meadowlands. He then enquired and later visited the NYDA branch where he initially registered for the Business Management Training, which is aimed at creating a conducive environment for young entrepreneurs to access relevant entrepreneurship skills, knowledge, values and attitudes for their businesses.

Katlego received non-financial support including business plan drafting, printing and branding assistance after he had successfully completed the training. The NYDA subsequently aided  Eco Finesse with the Grant Funding of R48 000, 00 to purchase equipment and materials. The business has grown to such an extent that it has been able to create employment for four people.

The 23-year-old Olu Sifiso Klaas from Ashton in the Western Cape Province is the founder of Klaasm Trading Enterprise (PTY) LTD, a manufacturing and repairing company that currently employs 7 people on a full-time basis and, 3 temporarily.

The young aspiring entrepreneur learnt about the NYDA on the internet when he was searching for possible funding institutions that would assist his business. After reading about the agency, Olu approached the NYDA Cape Town branch for further information on how he could be supported.

The branch enrolled him on the Business Management Training, which he completed successfully and was eligible to apply for the Grant Funding. The NYDA assisted Klaasm Trading Enterprise (PTY) LTD with financial support to the value of R50 000 to buy material and working equipment.

The Western Cape-based young entrepreneur would like to decrease the statistics of youth unemployment in South Africa and contribute to boosting the country’s economy. He aims to expand his business into other provinces as well as operate outside of South Africa.

“To young people, let us chase our dreams. Do something today, that your future self will thank you for,” said Olu.

The 34-year-old Yandisa Langa from Eastern Cape relocated to Fish Hoek in Western Cape, where he currently operates his business. Working as a security guard in one of the restaurants presented him with an idea to start his own agricultural business. His desire to produce and supply restaurants with organic vegetables grew, as he identified a market and decided to seek more information and available funding opportunities.

In his quest to receive assistance, Yandisa approached the NYDA branch in Cape Town to enquire about the products and services developed to assist young people. After undergoing all processes, he was approved the NYDA Grant Funding to the value of R68 000.00 to buy tools to build a walk-in greenhouse for the vegetable garden, as well as seeds and fertilizers.

The young aspiring entrepreneur currently employs five young people and, he intends to own a farm with a processing plant, and an agriculture accredited Skills Centre. Yandisa encourages young people to pursue their dreams and always be prepared to learn and equip themselves with current business knowledge. “Start with what you have, do not wait for large sums of money, investment and support to realise your dreams,” added Yandisa.

Mashike Mangoale, a 32-year-old young man who hails from Polokwane in Limpopo is the sole owner of the Thabelang Jewelers (Pty) Ltd. The business specialises in manufacturing and repairing of jewelry products. Driven by his dream of establishing his own business, Mashike went on to register his business in 2010. After learning about the NYDA, Mashike was referred to his nearest branch in Polokwane where he successfully applied for the Grant Funding to the value of R50 000.00.

The Grant assisted him to purchase the necessary equipment for his business such as the Jewel Astro-Sonic Machine as well as a variety of raw materials including, silver. The company now employs two young people and plans to employ more as it grows. Mashike’s wish is to grow his business to compete with the industry leaders and he is grateful for the assistance provided to him by the NYDA. 

“My business is going from strength to strength and has been able to secure partnership with big businesses such as Game Stores to do their jewellery repairs and manufacture jewellery for Jemco Art, Shann Moss Wholesalers and Tesh Diamonds” said Mashike.

Five young people from a previously disadvantaged community in KwaZulu-Natal decided to work together to form a cooperative called Youth Empowerment R.M.S.

The cooperative is running a fresh food garden at Lamontville in Durban and one of their specialised product is Spinach Muffins. Their future goals involve growing the business to be able to supply supermarket giants such as Pick n Pay and Spar. The business employs young people on a full-time basis.

Speaking on behalf of the cooperative, Siphelele Memela says that they struggled to secure funding to establish their business. After hearing about the products and services offered by the NYDA, they decided to approach the Durban Branch to enquire. 

The Durban Branch took them through the process of applying and approved the Grant Funding to the value of R31 000,00 to buy products such as (but not limited to) staff uniforms, food processing tools, seed, compost, weed controller and greenhouse materials. The cooperative was also awarded with the NYDA Voucher for business plan, business profile and branding.  

“It is very important for youth to take advantage of the services offered by government such as the NYDA programmes that are designed to address the struggles that prevents young peoples to realise their dreams.  We are very grateful for the assistance we got. I would like to thank the Durban Branch for their fantastic and great support,” said Siphelele Memela.

Nokulunga Tonela is a 28-year-old young lady from Orlando West in Soweto who received the NYDA Grant Funding through the Soweto Branch. She used the Grant Funding to buy stock and mannequins for her beading and jewellery business, Luya Creations.

Nokulunga is currently studying jewellery making and design so she can further enhance her skills and expertise. The NYDA’s intervention and assistance has resulted in business exposure and profitability. She currently has a stand at Florinda, an online store and her future goals involve having her own, where she will sell her products independently.

“Follow your dream, be patient and work hard. Follow your passion,” said Nokulunga.

The 24-year-old Nomsa Nhlapo from Tsakane in Gauteng has completed her BCom Honours in Econometrics.

She is currently placed at the ETDP SETA; under the Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation unit, where her responsibilities involve collecting raw data, analysing and interpreting it to achieve findings.

This opportunity was accessed through the NYDA Jobs Database and Matching Service. Nomsa submitted her CV at the NYDA after she was informed by a friend about the agency. She subsequently enrolled on the Jobs Preparedness Training, and was later granted an opportunity to work for the EDTP SETA.

Nomsa’s future aspiration is to further her studies by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Financial Economics. The reason she has set this goal is because of her underprivileged background wherein education is perceived as the only solution out of poverty.

Zondle Mduduzi Mnisi Agricultural and Mining Supply (Pty) Ltd is an operational maize and soya beans farming company, which was established and formally registered in February 2018.

It is 100% black youth-owned company, founded by Mr Mduduzi Mnisi, a 32-year-old young man based in Breyten Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality in Mpumalanga. Mr Mnisi is trained and experienced in maize and soya beans production.

He enrolled for Bookkeeping and Recordkeeping, Maize Crop Production and Farm Business Management at AgriSA. He was awarded the Small Farmer of the Year award, and his company is a custodian of the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration through the Asibuyele Emasimini farming improvement programme.

The business is currently operating from a rented farm, situated at Bankfontein Farm in Mpumalanga. The company currently has old brush cutters, wheelbarrows, plastic rakes, lawn mowers, forks and spades. Mr Mnisi approached the NYDA Secunda Branch for assistance to purchase seeds and accessories.

He was awarded funding of R49 356,00 that he used to purchase soya beans seeds, manure, diesel and other farming accessories. He can now plough 20 hectares with the acquired seeds. He currently employs four people on the farm.

With the expansion, he hopes to purchase more farming equipment to be able to utilise the 60 hectares space he is renting.

The 28-year-old Edwin Makhubela from Ivory Park in Midrand, Gauteng, is the co-owner of Artville MEDIA Production - Pty Ltd, a Video and Audio Production Company. He completed a Higher Certificate in Film and Screen Media.

The company does sound recording that includes creating beats for music artists, video editing, music video and movie filming, colour grading, and events capturing. The NYDA assisted the young aspiring entrepreneur with the Grant Funding of R9 999, 25 through the Johannesburg branch, to purchase business equipment.

The business currently employs three young people on a full-time basis and two temporary staff members.

Mfundo Sithole is the founder of Wande Langa (Pty) Ltd, an agricultural business that operates within the Nkomazi Local Municipality in Mpumalanga. 

The company was formally registered in 2017 and the owner was able to secure 13.5 hectares of land that is used for vegetable production. The need for extensive assistance and intervention from established organisations arose as his vision broadened. The young aspiring entrepreneur visited the agency’s Mbombela branch, where he was assisted with a Grant Funding of R50 000 to purchase equipment, seedlings and working gear.

Wande Langa (Pty) Ltd has subsequently managed to sustain and supply retail giants such as SPAR supermarket, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Choppies Enterprises Limited around Malelane and Naas area, with cabbage, tomatoes, onions, beetroot and spinach on a weekly basis. The company currently employs three young people and intends to demonstrate to the youth that success exists for them within this space.

Umbila Oshayo Primary Cooperative is a health and beauty business that is owned by five young people, four females and one male from Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal.

The cooperative sells a variety of health and beauty products, and is said to be the only distributor in Ladysmith and surrounding areas. The young people saw the need for such a business with the aim to provide affordable health and beauty products that improve the well-being of the community.

In their quest to start the business, Umbila Oshayo Primary Cooperative identified the NYDA. One factor that stood out about the organisation was its willingness to support young aspiring entrepreneurs. The agency assisted the young people with Cooperative Governance Training and a Grant Funding of R47 300.00 through the Durban branch, to purchase stock and installing of shelving units.

Like any aspiring entrepreneur and growing business, goals and a vision are put in place for the cooperative; their objective is to become a reputable health and beauty products distributor in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.