Picture: North West Social Development HOD, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele (middle) presents material support and equipment to youth owned small businesses in Motswedi village, near Zeerust
By AGISANANG SCUFF
15 July 2026 – The North West Department of Social Development has taken a significant step towards promoting youth economic empowerment by providing business equipment and material support to unemployed young entrepreneurs in Motswedi village, near Zeerust. The initiative forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to address youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and stimulate local economic development by equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to advance their small businesses.
Addressing the beneficiaries during the handover ceremony, the Head of Department (HOD) of North West Department of Social Development, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and remain committed to building successful businesses that will contribute to the growth of the local economy. Mhlongo-Kgaboesele said most of the beneficiaries, who received a range of equipment tailored to their respective business have been receiving cooked meals from Bopang Motho community project.
She further said Bopang Motho loosely translated as ‘moulding a person,’ is a community organisation that was established in 2021 to provide cooked meals to individuals and families facing hunger and starvation. Mhlongo-Kgaboesele added that it also provides skills to unemployed young people to enable them to become change agents in their own families.
“As part of the exit strategy, the department bought them equipment for car washing business, catering and beautification. The materials and equipment will enable them to provide services, generate income, and create employment opportunities within their communities.
“This support is an investment in the future of our young people. We believe that by providing the necessary resources and opportunities, we are empowering youth to become job creators rather than job seekers,” she said.
Mhlongo-Kgaboesele said most people think that becoming an entrepreneur requires a big idea and substantial capital, yet that is not always the case. She said small businesses are proving to be a powerful way to revive rural economies and at the same time beat unemployment by creating much-needed jobs.
“The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the support, noting that the equipment will help them overcome financial barriers that often prevent aspiring entrepreneurs from starting or growing their businesses.
“Twelve other young people received training on plant production and painting from an accredited SETA. The department remains committed to implementing programmes that empower young people, support small businesses and create sustainable livelihoods,” said Mhlongo-Kgaboesele.
She said through partnerships and targeted interventions, the department will continue to invest in initiatives that unlock economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents.
One of the beneficiaries, Tebogo Daniel said he is grateful to receive catering equipment from the department. Daniel started selling food at the post office in 2025 and has hired two unemployed youth.
Another beneficiary, Bopang Khutswane used his R370 social relief of distress grant to open a car wash. Khutswane said his car wash grew bit by bit until he established a structure to wash cars.
“Now that I have received some equipment including a jojo tank, I am looking forward to expanding the business by hiring more unemployed young people,” he said.
The Guardian 