Durban | 23 June 2025 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 2024/25 Youth Empowerment Fund Business Management Workshop, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive economy that places the youth at its centre. The workshop, held under the theme “Skills for a Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation,” brought together young entrepreneurs, public officials, development partners, and members of the media.
Premier Ntuli used the occasion to announce decisive measures to safeguard the integrity of the Youth Empowerment Fund. With immediate effect, all previous funding applications will be re-evaluated by a newly appointed, independent team. “If any political interference is uncovered, funding will be withdrawn without hesitation,” Premier Ntuli stated, adding that all unsuccessful applicants will receive formal explanations as part of a new transparency drive.
The Premier described youth empowerment not as a symbolic gesture, but as an economic imperative. He emphasised that enabling youth participation in the economy is fundamental to rebuilding KwaZulu-Natal’s socio-economic fabric. "We are not merely creating businesses," he said, "we are shaping a new political economy — one that is youth-driven, innovation-led, and fundamentally inclusive."
He reflected on key milestones of the past year, including the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Business Summit, and outlined the province’s broader strategy to transform young entrepreneurs into job creators, innovators, and contributors to provincial GDP. He reiterated that youth-owned businesses would be integrated into government procurement pipelines and supported to participate meaningfully in sectoral growth plans, from ICT and creative industries to agriculture, energy, and tourism.
Looking to the future, Premier Ntuli announced the planned development of a digital Youth Enterprise Tracker System to monitor the growth, compliance, and performance of funded businesses. This tool, he said, would help government intervene early when businesses face challenges, and ensure sustainability and accountability.
In a bold and transparent move, the Premier also addressed recent social media allegations regarding irregularities in the Fund’s implementation. He confirmed that an independent investigation has been commissioned to review the application and approval processes from inception to present day. "This government has nothing to hide," Premier Ntuli assured, committing to publish the full list of beneficiaries, the rationale behind their selection, and return-on-investment metrics once the investigation concludes.
He further urged the private sector and financial institutions to join hands with government in scaling youth-led enterprises through blended finance models and capital exposure platforms. “Let us walk this path together with clarity, resolve, and a shared vision of an economically transformed KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.
The workshop also featured technical training and business development support aimed at capacitating young entrepreneurs to succeed in a dynamic and competitive marketplace.
In closing, Premier Ntuli reminded all stakeholders that this is not a temporary intervention, but a generational commitment to transform KwaZulu-Natal’s economy through youth empowerment, ethical governance, and inclusive growth.