NYDA Executive Chairperson Dr Sunshine Myende, speaking at the Black Business Annual Summit, held at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo Airport, called for urgent and meaningful action to address the persistent barriers faced by black-owned, women-owned and youth-owned businesses in accessing funding.
Speaking under the theme, “Growing the South African Economy Through Economic Empowerment, Re-industrialisation and Localisation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” Dr. Myende addressed the topic, “The Transformation Fund and Other Mechanisms to Address Access to Funding for Black-Owned, Women-Owned and Youth-Owned Businesses – Lessons Learned and What Could Be Improved.”
Dr. Myende emphasised that young people need more than commitments and speeches; they need practical interventions that translate into real opportunities, sustainable enterprises and meaningful participation in the economy.
“The NYDA is tired of speeches. We require action as young people.”
She further challenged Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to be more transparent and constructive when young entrepreneurs are unsuccessful in their funding applications. Rather than simply rejecting applications, young business owners should be provided with clear reasons for those decisions so they can understand the gaps, strengthen their proposals and improve their chances of success.
“We are tired of DFIs that reject funding without explaining why young people’s businesses are rejected. Give us reasons so we can improve.”
The call is clear: funding must be accompanied by transparency, accountability, guidance and practical support. For youth-owned businesses to grow and contribute meaningfully to economic development, access to finance must move beyond policy commitments and become a tangible pathway towards enterprise growth, job creation, industrialisation and sustainable economic participation.
#BBCSummit2026 #EconomicEmpowerment #YouthEntrepreneurship #YouthDevelopment #AccessToFunding #YouthOwnedBusinesses #BlackBusiness #WomenOwnedBusinesses #NYDA
NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE IMPACT STORIES!
Young people are making a difference where it matters most! As part of the National Youth Service (NYS) Phase 5, 11 participants from Beyond The Change Foundation, hosted by the NYS Implementing Partner South African Association of Youth Clubs, rolled up their sleeves to give back to the community through a service initiative at Tsholofelo Technical School.
From maintenance to promoting a clean and positive school environment, these young people demonstrated that service, responsibility and community spirit are powerful tools for creating lasting change. Their efforts are a reminder that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are active changemakers, community builders and contributors today.
#NYSPhase5 #CommunityService #YouthInAction #BeyondTheChangeFoundation #TsholofeloTechnical #NationalYouthService #NYDA #YouthDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityDevelopment
NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE IMPACT STORIES!
Are you an unemployed young South African aged 18 - 35 and looking for an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while serving your community?
The McIntyne Hope Foundation in partnership with the National Youth Service (NYS), is recruiting young people for a 6-month community service programme in Roodepoort and surrounding areas.
Available opportunities include:
• Educator Assistants
• Admin Assistants
• Content Creators
• Kitchen Assistants
• Cleaner Assistants
• Gardener Assistants
• Facilities & Maintenance Assistants
• Safety & Security Assistants
• General Worker Assistants
• Child Minder & Homework Advisor Assistants
Applicants must be South African citizens, be unemployed, reside near the implementing sites, and must not have participated in previous NYS phases.
Don’t miss out! Apply via SAYouth before spaces fill up: https://t.co/W1c6xTTI22.
Applications close: 30 August 2026.
Share this opportunity with a young person who could benefit from it!
#NationalYouthService #NYS #SAYouth #YouthOpportunities #YouthEmployment #ApplyNow #SouthAfrica #CommunityService
Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are the changemakers of today!
Through entrepreneurship, education, skills development, innovation, and active citizenship, young people continue to drive progress and inspire hope in their communities.
As we commemorate International Youth Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating opportunities that empower youth to reach their full potential and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Happy International Youth Day!
#InternationalYouthDay #IYD2026 #NYDA #TheLimitlessYouth #OurYouthOurFuture
NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE IMPACT STORIES!
Watch Ntombifuthi Skhosana’s inspiring journey from participating in the National Youth Service Programme as an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Champion to becoming a proud ECD centre owner in Standerton.
Through the programme, Ntombifuthi gained more than practical experience. By supporting young children and their families through home visits and Active Learning Workshops, she developed valuable skills, discovered her passion for ECD, and gained the confidence to turn her vision into reality.
With the stipend she earned through the programme, Ntombifuthi saved towards opening her own ECD centre. Today, her centre provides a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, grow and thrive, while giving working parents peace of mind. Her journey has also enabled her to create employment opportunities and continue investing in her own professional development to strengthen and expand her centre.
Ntombifuthi’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, one opportunity can change the direction of a person’s life. She seized hers and is now making a lasting difference in her community, shaping the futures of children, supporting families and creating opportunities, one child at a time.
Video credit: Seriti Institute
#NYDA #aReBapaleng #SeritiEmpowers #CommunityDevelopment #EmpoweringLives #ECD #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #Standerton #Mpumalanga
[MEDIA STATEMENT] Youth unemployment requires urgent action!
The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Q2 2026) paints a concerning picture for South Africa’s youth. The youth unemployment rate has risen to 47.4%, meaning nearly one in every two young people in the labour market is unable to find work.
The NYDA believes that addressing this crisis requires more than skills development alone. South Africa needs sustained economic growth, productive investment, and deliberate job creation that expands opportunities for young people and youth-owned enterprises.
Youth employment must remain at the centre of our economic agenda as we work towards building an economy that creates opportunities, reduces inequality, and enables young people to participate meaningfully in economic activity.
#YouthEmployment #Unemployment #EconomicGrowth #JobsForYouth #NYDA #SouthAfrica
TAKEOFF TUESDAY
Your 2027 journey starts with the right opportunity! If you’re preparing to enter higher education next year, the SANRAL Bursary Programme could be the opportunity that helps turn your academic goals into a career pathway.
Swipe through the carousel to discover the eligibility requirements, qualifying fields of study and important information you need to know before applying.
Don’t wait until the deadline starts preparing your application today!
🔗 Apply here: https://t.co/ozC0fxaFX9
Applications close: 30 September 2026
#SANRAL #SANRALBursary #Bursary2027 #HigherEducation #EducationMatters #FutureProfessionals #CareerDevelopment #YouthOpportunities
The NYDA Executive Chairperson, Dr Sunshine Myende, is set to participate in the Black Business Council Summit, contributing to conversations focused on entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, meaningful partnerships and expanding opportunities for inclusive economic participation.
Date: 12 August 2026
Time: 11:00
Venue: Radisson Hotel OR Tambo, Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng
The summit highlights the importance of strengthening Black businesses, advancing entrepreneurship and creating pathways for sustainable economic growth.
Building businesses. Creating opportunities. Shaping a limitless future.
#BlackBusinessCouncilSummit #BlackBusiness #YouthInBusiness #YouthDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #EconomicEmpowerment #NYDA #DrSunshineMyende #YouthEntrepreneurs #TheLimitlessYouth #OurYouthOurFuture
The NYDA joined the Izintombi Zomkhubulwane gathering in Kwa-Mafunze, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, following an invitation from the office of Inkosi Sifiso Shinga, Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.
The engagement provided an opportunity to bring information on NYDA programmes, services and opportunities directly to young people in the community, including entrepreneurship, business support, skills development and employment initiatives.
The collaboration also strengthens the NYDA’s partnership with traditional leadership structures to expand access to youth development opportunities, particularly in rural communities.
Together, we can ensure that no young person is left behind.
#NYDA #YouthDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #TraditionalLeadership #IzintombiZomkhubulwane #KwaZuluNatal #RuralYouth #YouthOpportunities #KhoiSanLeaders
Young entrepreneurs in Mangaung Metro Municipality, this opportunity is for you! Join the Youth Empowerment Campaign on 13 August 2026 at Lesley Monnanyane Hall, Bloemfontein, for a full day of information, connections and opportunities designed to help young entrepreneurs unlock their potential.
Connect with government support programmes, explore funding opportunities, business development services and other initiatives aimed at increasing youth economic participation.
Mangaung-based youth entrepreneurs, this is your platform to connect, learn, grow and take your business to the next level!
#YouthEmpowerment #YouthEntrepreneurship #YouthInBusiness #YouthDevelopment #EconomicEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #FundingOpportunities #BusinessDevelopment #NYDA #FreeState #Mangaung #OurYouthOurFuture
TAKEOFF TUESDAY
Looking for your next career opportunity? The Department of Employment and Labour is currently advertising various vacancies for eligible candidates across different areas of the Department.
Among the latest opportunities are positions such as Admin Clerk: Auxiliary Services and Registry Clerk: Office of the Director-General, with applications for these posts closing on 24 August 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review each vacancy, including the minimum requirements, duties, reference number, application instructions and closing date, before submitting an application.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take the next step in your career. Visit the official Department of Employment and Labour vacancies page to view the full list of available positions and check which opportunities match your qualifications and experience.
👉 View the latest vacancies and application details: https://t.co/onYibN6kcW
Closing date: 24 August 2026
#JobOpportunities #Vacancies #Jobs #EmploymentOpportunities #JobSeekers #GovernmentJobs #WorkOpportunities
TAKEOFF TUESDAY
Applications for the #SasolFoundation 2027 Bursary Programme are officially OPEN!
Whether you’re preparing for your next chapter in education or already pursuing your studies, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Take the time to check the qualifying criteria, prepare your supporting documents and submit your application before the closing date.
Application deadline: 23 August 2026
Check the eligibility requirements and apply online at: https://t.co/FQC3EYvS0z
Your education can open doors and bigger possibilities. Start your application today and take a step closer to turning your ambitions into reality!
#SasolFoundation #SasolBursary #Bursary2027 #BursaryOpportunities #Education #StudentFunding #StudyOpportunities #YouthDevelopment #FutureLeaders #SouthAfrica
TAKEOFF TUESDAY
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is inviting eligible South African students to apply for its 2027 External Bursary Scheme, aimed at supporting young people pursuing studies in fields that contribute to South Africa’s economic growth and development.
The bursary opportunity is available to students studying in various fields, including Finance, Management, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Law, as well as selected Honours programmes.
This opportunity provides aspiring professionals with valuable financial support towards their academic journey and can help deserving students focus on their studies while developing the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
🎓 Fields of study include:
• Finance
• Management
• STEM
• Law
• Honours programmes
If you meet the eligibility requirements, make sure you take advantage of this opportunity and submit your application before the closing date.
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
For more information about the bursary requirements and eligibility criteria: https://t.co/hSM0oCubbd
To submit your application: https://t.co/4fBarayEqf
#IDCBursary #IDCBursary2027 #BursaryOpportunities #StudentFunding #YouthDevelopment #Education #STEM #Finance #Management #Law #Honours
NYDA wishes all women a Happy Women’s Day! May we celebrate the strength, resilience, achievements and limitless potential of women who continue to inspire, empower and shape our communities and future.
Happy Women’s Day!
#WomensDay2026#NYDA#WomenEmpowerment #TheLimitlessYouth #OurYouthOurFuture
The NYDA Executive Chairperson, Dr Sunshine Myende, will be part of the Women’s Day Commemoration taking place on Sunday, 9 August 2026, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, under the theme “Empowered Women, Empower Nations.” The commemoration marks 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March and honours the continued contribution of women in shaping and advancing our nation.
#WomensDay2026 #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerNations #NYDA #DrSunshineMyende #70Years #WomenEmpowerment #YouthDevelopment #OurYouthOurFuture
The NYDA Integrated Youth Development Strategy (IYDS) and Provincial Youth Development Strategy (PYDS) Consultation is currently underway at the Klapmuts Multi-purpose Centre in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
The consultation brings together key stakeholders, government representatives, youth development practitioners, and young people to contribute towards shaping inclusive, responsive, and impactful youth development strategies that address the needs and aspirations of South Africa's youth.
#IYDS #PYDS #YouthDevelopment #NYDA #YouthEmpowerment #WesternCape #Stellenbosch #BuildingTheFuture
Bambisandla Sam NPO Nail Therapy learners had the privilege of participating in an insightful Business Management session, which was facilitated by the NYDA.
The session equipped the organisation’s aspiring beauty entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on starting, managing, and growing successful businesses.
From financial management and customer service to business planning and marketing, the youth participants gained valuable skills that will help them turn their passion into sustainable enterprises.
#NYDA #Training #WesternCape #FridayFeeling #SouthAfrica
Are you registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) or looking to do business with government?
Join the National Treasury's weekly CSD & RFQ Training Webinar and gain practical knowledge to help you navigate the procurement process with confidence.
The online training occurs every Monday from 11:00 – 12:00 until December 2026.
During the session, you will learn:
• How to respond to RFQs on the CSD.
• Tips to keep your supplier profile updated and compliant.
• How to submit queries while an RFQ is still open.
Join the webinar here: https://t.co/UgkpU86s8l
#NationalTreasury #RegisterNow #GovernmentProcurement #Webinar #SouthAfrica
The uMngeni Unemployed Graduates Forum in partnership with NYDA and Nedbank, successfully hosted a Business Management Training programme for young people in the uMngeni area.
The training equipped aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with practical business skills, financial knowledge, and the confidence to start, manage, and grow sustainable enterprises.
Youth partnerships play a vital role in empowering young people with the tools, skills, and confidence to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Who qualifies for NYDA Business Management Training?
1. AGE
• Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years
2. RESIDENCY
• Must be a South African citizen
3. ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENT
• Must own a business or have a clear intention to start one (The business must be 100% youth-owned)
HOW TO APPLY:
• Visit the NYDA ERP Portal: https://t.co/r93kG3hoBm
#NYDA #Business #Training #FridayFeeling #SouthAfrica