By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
Funding worth R3.5 million was awarded to 24 tourism businesses led by young people in Mpumalanga during the Tourism Youth Fund Awards ceremony held at the University of Mpumalanga, City of Mbombela, on Tuesday 18 March 2025.
The ceremony was led by the MEC for DEDT(Department of Economic Development and Tourism), Makhosazane Masilela, in partnership with the NYDA (National Youth Development Agency).
A pitching session followed the awarding of the funding, allowing the 24 participants to showcase their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges.
According to DEDT, the Awards aim to empower young entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, by providing financial assistance and resources, in helping them to grow and expand their businesses.
These businesses are viewed as playing a pivotal role in stimulating innovation, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable business growth in the rural areas.
MEC Masilela said the Tourism Youth Fund was launched last year in September at the Manyeleti Nature Reserve, in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.
Applications were reportedly open for tourism businesses in Mpumalanga and closed on 30 November 2024.
“ As the Provincial Government, in partnership with the NYDA, we are re-planting the seed, which is intended to change things for the better, for our youth involved in the tourism industry,” said MEC Masilela.
