YOUTH-OWNED BUSINESSES BENEFITTING FROM KZN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND @KASIBC_NEWS

YOUTH-OWNED BUSINESSES BENEFITTING FROM KZN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND @KASIBC_NEWS

The Inkatha Freedom Party Youth Brigade in KwaZulu-Natal extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the youth-owned businesses across the province that are today, 16 June 2026, officially benefitting from the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Development Fund (Youth Fund).

As we mark this year’s Youth Day, we celebrate a milestone achievement by the 7th Administration under the leadership of the Honourable Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thamsanqa Ntuli. Through the Youth Fund, valued at R100 Million, approximately 100 youth-led enterprises are set to receive support that will not only expand their operations but will also contribute meaningfully to job creation across various sectors.

This is a commendable and practical step towards economic empowerment and youth development, aligned with the IFP’s long-standing belief in the principle of self-help and self-reliance – values consistently championed by our Founding President and President Emeritus, the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. He taught us that young people must not only seek opportunities but must also be empowered to create them.

The IFP Youth Brigade applauds Premier Ntuli and his entire executive for upholding these teachings and for making deliberate efforts to prioritise youth development. This administration continues to walk the talk, showing that empowering young people is not just a slogan but a measurable government commitment.

We also take this opportunity to condemn in the strongest terms the false and malicious claims made by some desperate political figures who have sought to discredit this initiative. Allegations that the Youth Fund only benefits members of the IFP Youth Brigade are not only baseless, but they also insult the intelligence and capability of the young entrepreneurs who were selected through a transparent and competitive process.

Such attempts to politicise a well-structured and impactful youth empowerment programme are disingenuous and should be rejected by all who care about the future of KwaZulu-Natal’s youth. Instead of criticising, any responsible and progressive leader should be commending Premier Ntuli’s government for delivering a programme that speaks directly to the needs and aspirations of the province’s young people.

As the IFP Youth Brigade in KwaZulu-Natal, we reaffirm our support for the Youth Fund and call for its expansion in future budget cycles so that more youth across all corners of the province can benefit. We further encourage the beneficiaries to make full use of this opportunity, to grow, innovate and become agents of change in their communities.

This is what the IFP stands for – youth empowerment, dignity through work, and leadership that delivers.