BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 
Youth Entrepreneurship Services (YES) in the Office of the Premier and the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) have handed over contracts for R10 million rand funding to 139 young people involved in emerging small businesses in the province.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony at Mmabatho Convention Centre on Tuesday, Director of YES in the Office of the Premier, Thapelo Sekawana said they were assisting youth to grow their businesses and create jobs.

“We are giving support to our young people by funding their businesses, providing business mentorship and coaching so that they can also assist in creating jobs in the province.

“We are not only providing funding but we will ensure that they are well monitored and assisted in various aspects of their businesses in order to grow,” Sekawana said.

The funding comes after the YES and NWDC called on all emerging businesses owned by young people in the province to submit their business ideas and apply for funding.

Sekawana indicated that young people clearly stated their plans on how intended growing their businesses and create employment for other youth in their areas.

Sekawana further said the funding of 139 young people is only the beginning.

“We had more than 400 young people who shared their business ideas and requested assistance since making a call last year.

“These young people belong to the first phase of our funding, we will continue with the second phase during the course of this year,” Sekawana said.

Beneficiaries of the funding expressed their appreciation for the funding.

One of the beneficiaries, Kelebogile Pela from Bapong in Madibeng Local Municipality owns a small business called Keglope Investment which manufactures school uniform, protective wears and graduations gowns.

She said the funding will assist her to buy some of the equipment she needed to grow her business.

“This is exactly what I needed for my business this year and I can promise you I will do everything in my power to take my business to another level through this assistance.

“I want to thank our government for such an excellent programme that assist us as young people in business,” said Pela.

Another young emerging entrepreneur, Kgosi Motswanaesi from Mosakga Enterprise in Greater Taung Local Municipality, thanked YES for responding to the needs of young people.

“I never thought there will be a time for me to receive funding from government.

“Now I can see that our government under Premier Supra Mahumapelo is delivering on its promise to assist young people in the province,” he said.
-TDN
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