ACTING MINISTER PRIORITISES YOUTH ENTERPRISE ON FIRST DAY IN OFFICE

By Lesego Ranchu

• Acting Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga made youth economic empowerment her first official priority with a visit to Vrygrond’s Genesis Incubator Hub
• The national Development Agency (NDA) funding of R849,255 has supported 38 young entrepreneurs and created 61 work opportunities across diverse sectors
• Youth-led enterprises are tackling local challenges, including a solar energy venture addressing shack fires in informal settlements

Cape Town, 15 May 2026; Acting Minister of Social Development Sindisiwe Chikunga signalled her commitment to youth economic empowerment on her first day in office, visiting a community enterprise hub in one of Cape Town’s most underserved areas.
Chikunga toured the Sozo Foundation’s Genesis Incubator Hub in Vrygrond on Thursday as part of preparations for the Department of Social Development’s Budget Vote 19. The visit focused on assessing a youth enterprise programme funded by the National Development Agency.

“I am elated that the Department has already been hard at work to assist young people to participate meaningfully in the economy and contribute to growth,” Chikunga said, emphasising the need for skills development aligned to real economic opportunities.

The Sozo Foundation launched in 2003 from a single shipping container. Today, its Genesis Incubator Hub at Capricorn Business Park supports young entrepreneurs through structured training, mentorship and access to resources.

The programme targets young people not in education, employment or training, equipping them to build sustainable livelihoods in a community of approximately 50,000 residents facing high poverty and unemployment.

NDA funding of R849,255 has supported 38 youth entrepreneurs, with 20 micro-enterprises currently operating across sectors including food services, renewable energy, beauty care, early childhood development and gaming.

Among the success stories is Mosebe Enterprise, a youth-led initiative producing affordable solar energy solutions to prevent shack fires in informal settlements. The business has created seven jobs.
“By empowering entrepreneurs like us, we are able to create solutions that uplift our communities and provide jobs for our peers,” said founder Vincent Mosebe.

Julia Koeberg, who runs Julie’s Nail Bar, a mobile salon in Vrygrond, described the programme’s personal impact: “This opportunity has changed my life. I am a business owner, I earn an income for myself and my family, and I have grown personally.”
Sozo Foundation CEO Anton Cuyler said the initiative goes beyond financial support. “This Foundation creates a supportive environment where young entrepreneurs feel acknowledged and trusted, enabling them to develop innovative solutions to challenges in their own communities.”

Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks praised the pathways created for youth through the programme, while Ward 45 Councillor Mandy Marr said she was encouraged by the community’s spirit to overcome adversity.

NDA Acting CEO Raphaahle Ramokgopa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to youth development: “Despite limited resources, the NDA remains committed to unlocking the potential of young people. Through partnerships such as the one with Sozo Foundation, we can unlock potential for the creation of sustainable livelihoods.