Premier unveils R100 million youth funding initiative for KwaZulu-Natal job creation

Premier Thami Ntuli says R100 million will uplift KwaZulu-Natal youth, creating jobs and supporting businesses, as the province drives economic recovery, infrastructure growth, and stronger opportunities for young people. KwaZulu-Natal PremierThami Ntulisays R100 million has been set aside to assist young people with funding to help create more job opportunities in the province. Speaking during theState of the Nation Addressdebate on Tuesday, Ntuli positioned the youth allocation as part of a broader national shift toward recovery and implementation.

He said South Africa was “turning the corner” following the stabilisation of the energy supply, renewed economic momentum, the unlocking of infrastructure investment, and the gradual return of investor confidence. Ntuli said the R100 million fund was already making a tangible difference on the ground. “This reflects the KwaZulu-Natal government’s commitment to the R100 million allocated for uplifting young people.

I have visited some of the beneficiaries,” he said. This reflects the KwaZulu-Natal government’s commitment to the R100 million allocated for uplifting young people He said beneficiaries had received practical support to expand their enterprises. Some were provided with vehicles to distribute their products and business equipment, while others received 52 cattle, a tractor with implements, and 3km of fencing installed around a farm.

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“In KwaZulu-Natal, we are prioritising the youth in our plans to uplift communities,” he said. He added that the support had created further job opportunities beyond the direct recipients. Ntuli said theGovernment of National Unityhad demonstrated that cooperation anchored in constitutional values and national interests was effective in confronting socio-economic challenges.

He noted the 98.6% performance of the KwaZulu-Natal Class of 2025 matriculants as further evidence that the province was moving in a positive direction. However, he cautioned that progress would only be meaningful if followed by decisive implementation.

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