Deadline to apply for Mpumalanga Youth Development Fund extended

Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane announced the new deadline during last week’s State of the Province Address (SOPA).

The Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga has extended the deadline for young entrepreneurs to apply for the roll out of the 2023 Mpumalanga Youth Development Fund (MYDF).

The fund is aimed at assisting deserving young people, aged 18-35 years, from Mpumalanga to kick-start and or expand their business ventures. The call for applications will close on 17 March 2023.

Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane announced the new deadline during last week's State of the Province Address (SOPA).

"We intend to set aside at least 30% of funding for applications coming from the designated applicants, particularly people with disabilities from the rural areas," she said.

Since its inception, the project has empowered 97 youth-owned businesses across the province and funding to the tune of R140 million was allocated to them.

"In the current financial year, 36 companies have been approved for funding, with a total amount of R92.3 million disbursed thus far. The ownership of these companies comprises 60 males, 45 females and five youth with disabilities.

"These youth-owned enterprises are within sectors that are inclusive of mining, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and logistics," Mtshweni-Tsipane said.

The MYDF has entered the third year of its three-year piloting phase, which serves deserving and qualifying 100% youth-owned entities.

Potential candidates should send their application forms, accompanied by a sound business plan and the following returnable documents:

Certified ID Copy.

Curriculum Vitae (with supporting documents of qualifications).

Proof of Residence.

Company Registration Documents.

Valid SARS Tax Pin.

BEE certificate (CIPC or Sworn Affidavit).

Proof of active business bank account.

Proof of market / offtake agreements.

Applications should be submitted in a form, which is accessible on www.mpumalanga.gov.za.

Applicants should note the following:

Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Beneficiaries of the MYDF are not encouraged to re-apply.

Late applications will not be considered.

Youth with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications to be directed to:

Mr SB Ntandane 013 766 2108/2006 cell: 076 842 4296 or via email MYDF@mpg.gov.za.

Manager: Youth Development. Private Bag X11291, Mbombela 1200.

Physical Address: Office of the Premier, Makhonjwa Building, 1st floor, Riverside Park, Government Boulevard, Mbombela.

If no correspondence is received within four months after the closing date, applicants must accept that their applications have been unsuccessful.

(With Inputs from South African Government Press Release)