​Lerato Mailoane
Premier David Makhura has encouraged the youth to utilise all opportunities presented to them by government to create and grow their own businesses.
Premier Makhura was speaking at the Youth Dialogue hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development at Gold Reef City Hotel, on 8 June 2022.  
The dialogue formed part of the Sustainable Livelihoods and Youth Development programme aimed at empowering youth with information on various skills and development opportunities.
In his address, Makhura said the Township Economic Development Act, will assist young entrepreneurs to register their businesses and open doors to funding. 
"The Township Development Act is meant for entrepreneurs who have experienced many challenges. We must help, especially the youth, with funding through the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller."
MEC for Social Development Morakane Mosupyoe committed her department to intensify the implementation of the Gauteng Anti-Poverty Strategy and resolved to ramp up the war on poverty interventions.
The emphasis will be on increased access, expansion, and introduction of additional innovative programmes in the areas of skills development, entrepreneurship development, and job placement, targeting women and youth, the MEC said. 
Young people from across the City-Region used the engagement to express their daily challenges and shared their successes stories from government programmes.
Samuel Ndlovu (37) from Alexandra took advantage of the opportunities for business training that was offered at Ikusasa Lethu Centre for Excellence. 
Samuel credited the programme for teaching him how to structure a business plan, operate, and register his Last-Mile Online Logistics company which delivers medication from public hospitals to the doorstep of chronic patients.
"I had an idea to start an online medication delivery service for patients who would otherwise struggle to get their prescriptions due to ill health."
He employs two students to do the deliveries and is currently developing an app that he hopes will attract more customers to sign up for his services. 
"My business is youth-driven, and all my employees are students. I hope to employ more young people as I am familiar with their struggles." 
Philisile Sibiya graduated from the Beauty Hub Academy to start her hairdressing business as part of the Welfare to Work programme. The programme seeks to reduce the dependency of young women on the welfare system.
"I am grateful to the department for giving me this opportunity. As young people, we need to push ourselves to achieve the best."
Looking ahead, Philisile is looking to expand her business portfolio by adding spa treatments and to hire more young people.