Twelve local youth entrepreneurs have each been granted a loan of E40,000.00 to kickstart their businesses under a landmark collaborative project aimed at completely transforming the face of the capital city.
The capital injection forms part of a joint initiative between the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) and the Municipal Council of Mbabane.
The inaugural cohort of 12 successful candidates was officially commissioned on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, by the Mayor of Mbabane, His Worship Thulani Mkhonto, alongside members of the council. 
The financial rollout totals E480,000.00 in funding, specifically structured through an innovative order finance model.
Under this arrangement, the Municipal Council of Mbabane serves as the project issuer and has formally signed the cessions for the project, minimising market entry risks and guaranteeing a steady pipeline of work for the new enterprises.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, YERF Chief Executive Officer Mandla Nkambule lauded the successful candidates for passing a rigorous selection phase.
He emphasised that their selection was proof of the viability and strength of their original business concepts.
“You should be proud of yourselves for having successfully navigated the application process,” Nkambule stated.
“Your ideas distinguished you, which is why you are here today.
This milestone calls upon your group to work collaboratively to achieve even greater goals.”
Nkambule explicitly warned the cohort against complacency, urging them to scale their operations beyond local boundaries.
“I urge you not to become ‘village champions,’ but rather to position yourselves as resource persons who can assist other young people with viable ideas to also receive funding,” Nkambule added.
Mayor Thulani Mkhonto congratulated the recipients while reminding them that public funding carries significant professional expectations.
He stressed that the physical aesthetics of Mbabane would directly reflect their personal integrity and hard work.
“Applaud the highest standards of compliance by adhering to regulations, safety requirements and operation guidelines,” Mayor Mkhonto urged.
“Most importantly, be accountable. Take pride in your work, recognising that the conditions and appearance of our City are a direct reflection of commitment, professionalism, and efforts.”
The Mayor noted that the project fulfils a core municipal development mandate.
He stated that the local government is deeply committed to nurturing sustainable platforms for the younger generation.
“Through your dedication, you are not only building your business but a cleaner, more vibrant, and economically competitive Mbabane.
Together, let’s build a clean city and a stronger generation of entrepreneurs,” he said.
Closing the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of the Municipal Council of Mbabane, Gciniwe Fakudze, offered parental counsel to the entrepreneurs.
She noted that as the pioneer group, their operational performance would dictate the future of similar youth financing models in the country.
“You are our pioneers,” Fakudze remarked warmly. “You carry not only tools in your hands, but also the hopes of many Emaswati who look to your success as proof that change is possible.
We encourage you to approach this opportunity with dedication, discipline and integrity.”
