KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has urged young people to harness education and entrepreneurship to drive personal and regional economic growth, emphasizing the role of government programs in supporting development.

Government Investment and Economic Growth

Ntuli made the remarks at the Annual Church of the Holy Ghost (CHG) March Convention in Peacevale, near Hammarsdale, on Saturday. He highlighted the province’s economic progress, noting that KZN’s economy grew by 1.8% in 2025, creating around 54,000 new job opportunities and attracting investor confidence.

According to Ntuli, over the past two years, the provincial government has invested more than R180 billion in KZN. This investment is evident in the construction of malls and the presence of large companies along the Durban-Pietermaritzburg route, which signals new opportunities for young people.

The Premier stressed that the key to capitalizing on these opportunities lies in education and acquiring the right skills. He said the government has established a bursary program to assist those who wish to continue their studies beyond the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Support for Youth and Women Entrepreneurs

Ntuli detailed several government initiatives aimed at supporting youth and women entrepreneurs. A R100 million fund has been allocated specifically for youth entrepreneurship, with the goal of restoring hope and enabling young people to actively participate in the province’s growing economy.

He cited examples of young people who have benefited from the program, including those who have been assisted to open Barcelos franchises and purchase tipper trucks. Ntuli shared a personal anecdote about a young person who received a large petrol truck, proudly sponsored by the KZN Premier, to start their business and create job opportunities.

“I was just looking at what those who have been assisted are doing; some have been assisted to open Barcelos franchises. Others bought tipper trucks,” Ntuli said. “All these opportunities available to young people should restore hope that the government has a programme.”

In addition to youth-focused initiatives, the Premier announced the launch of a fund for women in eThekwini. He emphasized the importance of addressing economic disparities in townships and rural areas to prevent people from migrating to cities in search of better opportunities.

“We are pushing very hard to fix the economy in townships and rural areas so people don’t fall behind and flock to cities, but so that people can have a life where they live,” Ntuli said.

Call to Action for the Youth

Addressing the congregation, Ntuli urged young people to take initiative and strive for their goals. He acknowledged that while many are educated, some remain unemployed, and he called for a collective effort to ensure that education translates into meaningful employment.

“I know there are educated people who are now sitting at home, unable to find work,” Ntuli said. “But the important thing is for them to study and acquire the appropriate skills, and we, as the government, must assist them so that they are the ones who will participate in this economy that we say is growing here in the province.”

Ntuli concluded his address with a call to action, encouraging young people to rise, shake off the dust, and strive for the future they desire. He emphasized that the government is committed to supporting the youth through various programs and investments aimed at supporting economic growth and stability.

“I’m talking about the future of young people, I’m talking about their opportunities, that they must truly get up, shake off the dust, strive, and have what they wish for,” Ntuli said.