KLERKSDORP – The City of Matlosana, in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), successfully hosted a dynamic Youth Empowerment Programme on Friday, 10 July 2026, targeting the development of young local entrepreneurs.
The event, held at the Auditorium Hall in Klerksdorp, ran under the theme, “We Are Here to Listen: Empowering the Youth Through Opportunities.”
It served as a strategic networking hub, bringing together government departments, development agencies, financial institutions, and private sector leaders to connect youth-led start-ups with critical funding, business support, and mentorship.
Officially welcoming the delegates, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Local Economic Development, Cllr Wesley Kgang, reaffirmed the Municipality’s dedicated commitment to backing youth entrepreneurship.
Cllr Kgang emphasized that local government remains focused on creating an enabling environment to drive sustainable economic growth through youth inclusion.
Meanwhile, Kedibone Nchwe, representing SEDFA, outlined the purpose of the day, stressing that unlocking financial support, enterprise development services, and strategic partnerships is vital to helping young business minds scale their enterprises. The day’s proceedings were steered smoothly by Programme Director Mr Jafta Seleke.
A major highlight of the event was the live business pitching sessions. Aspiring young entrepreneurs presented their innovative business ideas to a panel of potential funders across two competitive sessions in the morning. The panel evaluated each proposal based on its market viability, innovation, and long-term growth potential.
The selected winning participants are set to receive customized funding packages tailored to their business operations. To ensure long-term viability, they will also benefit from structured mentorship, ongoing business support, and performance monitoring.
Participants also benefited from insightful presentations delivered by a panel of industry experts representing various organisations:
* Mr Matthews Moatli – Productivity SA
* Prof. Lerato E. Mdaka – North-West University (NWU)
* Ms Pearl Jack – Harmony Gold Mine
* Ms Kgomotso Mokale – Rhiza Ventures (Vuka)
* Mr Ziningi Kaunda – ABSA
“The City of Matlosana extends its sincere appreciation to SEDFA for partnering with the Municipality in hosting this impactful initiative, as well as to all stakeholders whose participation contributed to its success. These included the National Development Agency (NDA), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, JB Marks Local Municipality, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Productivity SA, North-West University, Harmony Gold Mine, Rhiza Ventures and ABSA.
“The Municipality remains committed to creating opportunities that promote entrepreneurship, economic inclusion and sustainable livelihoods for the youth of Matlosana,” said the municipality in a statement.
