Mbabane – Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini has encouraged young people to take advantage of government funding opportunities available to support youth entrepreneurship and job creation.
Speaking during the Mbabane East Youth Trade Expo held at Prince of Wales School on Saturday, Dlamini challenged the youth to be proactive and seize opportunities designed to help them start and grow sustainable businesses. He described the expo as a timely and practical platform that equips young people with exposure, motivation, and access to support structures.
“This expo is a good start, and next year the Inkhundla will fully support it,” said Dlamini. “I want young people to understand that the Regional Development Fund is there for them. There are millions waiting to be accessed, but they must take the initiative, apply, and turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.”
He disclosed that an amount of E5 million has been set aside through the Regional Development Fund (RDF) to assist youth and small scale entrepreneurs with financial capital to start or expand income generating projects. The fund is accessed through Inkhundla centres and its aim is to reduce unemployment, stimulate local economic activity, and improving livelihoods at community level.
Dlamini emphasised that the RDF was established to empower ordinary citizens, particularly the youth, and urged them to seek guidance from Inkhundla offices to better understand application requirements and project expectations. His sentiments were echoed by Mbabane East Indvuna Yenkhundla, Phindile Maziya, who encouraged young people to visit the Inkhundla centre for more information about the fund and seek assistance assistance about how they can go about applying.
“Youth must come to the Inkhundla centre and seek information,” said Maziya. “There is free Wi Fi and support services available to help them with applications and business development. These opportunities are meant to uplift them.”
Youth Chamber Chairperson Mzwandile Nxumalo also challenged the youth to think independently and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy.
“Young people must not simply follow the crowd, they must be bold, think for themselves, and play an active role in growing Eswatini’s economy.” said Nxumalo
Liswati actor Nqaba Tsela, popularly known as Vacu from the television drama Isitha: The Enemy, encouraged young people to use their talents to earn a living.
“Everyone has a God given talent, if you nurture it and work hard, it can open doors and put food on the table,” said Tsela
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