Through a collaborative approach involving the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) is proud to announce the Youth and Women in Business Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions of young entrepreneurs and women in business driving economic growth, job creation, and innovation in their communities.

As part of its broader mission to support youth and women entrepreneurs, in 2015, IDFC introduced two landmark programmes, Inkunz'isematholeni Youth in Business   and Imbokodo Iyazenzela Women in Business.The development of these enterprise development programmes was specifically targeted at addressing the challenge of economic exclusion being faced by SMMEs throughout the province of KwaZulu-Natal with special focus being given to women, youth, rural and township business revival.

The awards recognized excellence through two flagship categories: *Inkunz’isematholeni Youth in Business, highlighting the creativity and determination of young entrepreneurs, and **Imbokodo Iyazenzela Women in Business*, celebrating the strength and impact of women in business.

Since its inception in 2015, the Inkunz’isematholeni Youth in Business Programme has reached over 3,000 youths in various towns across the province, investing over R6 million. The 2024 leg of the programme saw three workshops delivered in Ugu, uMzinyathi, and uMgungundlovu District Municipalities, engaging 448 youths.

Similarly, to date the Imbokodo Iyazenzela Women in Business Programme has empowered over 5,000 women in various towns, investing over R5 million. The 2024 leg held four workshops in Ugu, Umkhanyakude, Umzinyathi, and Amajuba District Municipalities.

MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, delivered a compelling keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of youth and women in driving the province’s economic growth. "These awards are a testament to the entrepreneurial talent within our communities. By supporting and empowering these trailblazers, we are building a stronger and more inclusive economy," the MEC remarked.

Overall Winners Today, total of nine (9) Inkunz’isematholeni Youth in Business winners were awarded with prize money to the value of R 600k as follows:  

• 3 x District Winners: R300k (R100k each)
• 3 x District 1st Runner Up’s: R240k (R80k each)
• 3 x District 2nd Runner Up’s: R60k (R20k each)

uMdoni Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality Winner
• Mr. Goodluck Martin Nzimande (100 000.00)
• 1st Runner Up: Ms. Nomcebo Nzimakwe (R 80 000.00)
• 2nd Runner Up: Mr. Sekelo Shude (R20 000.00)

UMsinga Local Municipality Winner
• Ms. Sbusisiwe Thusi (100 000.00)
• 1st Runner Up: Ms. Nokulunga Luvuno (R 80 000.00)
• 2nd Runner Up: Mr. Nzuzo Sithole (R20 000.00)

uMsunduzi Local Municipality Winner
• Ms. Nomfundo Sibisi (100 000.00)
• 1st Runner Up: Ms. Nosipho Mtambo (R 80 000.00)
• 2nd Runner Up: Mr. Thabiso Ngcobo (R20 000.00)

  Imbokodo Iyazenzela Women in Business winners have been awarded with prize money to the value of R 350k comprising of four (4) District winners.   A total of three (3) businesswomen in the Persons with disabilities category received an overall total of R150k comprising of three (3) District winners

Mzumbe Local Municipality
• Ms. Thandi Shezi (R50 000.00)
Mhlabuyalingana Local Municipality
• Ms. Zamokuhle Dorothy Mdletshe (R50 000.00)
Alfred Duma Local Municipality
• Thandi Hadebe (R50 000.00)

  Persons with Disability Category

Ethekwini Local Municipality
• Ms. Zama Msomi (R50 000.00)
uMsuduzi Local Municipality
• Ms. Dumile Ndlovu (R50 000.00)
Alfred Duma Local Municipality
• Gcina Zwane (R50 000.00)