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YOUTH SUMMIT ON ECONOMIC FUNDING AND MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WAS A SUCCESS

Attendees of the Youth Summit that was focusing on economic funding and mentorship opportunities

The Economic Development Division of the George Municipality hosted a two-day Youth Summit on 14 and 15 June 2023 in the Pacaltsdorp Community Hall as part of the commemoration of the Nationally celebrated Youth Month. The focus of the two days was on economic funding and mentorship opportunities that young people can access.

The first day was attended by 17 youth-owned Companies and the second day by 15 youth-owned Companies. Fifty-nine (59) attendees attended on day one and 45 on day two.

According to Dr Kosie Haarhoff, the George Municipality’s Deputy Director for Strategic Growth and Development, the summit was a success. “We are confident that the youth who attended the summit came back armed with a wealth of information for their businesses and will grab the growth opportunities that are out there.”

“Some great news that was shared during the summit is that Youth Stakeholders such as The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Landbank of South Africa have set aside targets for youth in their procurement processes,” Dr Haarhoff added.

“We also had an Entrepreneur from the United States of America, Justin Cheesman, who has invested and specialises in start-ups in South Africa. Cheesman shared his experiences with the audience and information to provide support through training and capacity building.

The following Stakeholders shared information with the youth:

1. Garden Route Skills Mecca
2. Africa Skills
3. SANRAL
4. The Landbank of South Africa
5. Department of Agriculture
6. Department of Economic Development and Tourism
7. The Office of the Consumer Protector
8. First National Bank
9. The George Municipality Electro-Technical Department
10. Gabex Enterprises- Energy Company
11. Empower- A NPC who provides opportunities to Youth Companies

The George Municipality would like to take the opportunity to thank all the stakeholders who supported the Youth Summit, and we are grateful for the economic opportunities that our youth can access.

Dr Kosie Haarhoff, Deputy Director for Strategic Growth and Development says the Youth Summit was a success

The Municipality is confident that the youth came back armed with a wealth of information for their businesses