SAYC Ethekwini METRO

07/10/2026

06/10/2026

Are you looking for Mentorship?

If you are a young person who is running a start-up business and you need guidance on becoming a successful entrepreneur, the NYDA can help you find a mentor to guide you!

Starting a business can be overwhelming. The NYDA Mentorship Programme allows young people to learn from successful entrepreneurs.

Register and access the various programmes on the NYDA ERP Portal: https://erp.nyda.gov.za/

05/10/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5 October 2026

SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH COUNCIL ATTENDS MUT’S 2026 FOUNDER’S ANNUAL LECTURE

The South African Youth Council (SAYC) eThekwini Metro Deputy Secretary, Mr Bongumusa Ngcobo, together with SAYC Provincial Fundraiser, Ms Lihle Hlatshwayo, attended Mangosuthu University of Technology’s (MUT) 2026 Founder’s Annual Lecture on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at the Durban International Convention Centre.

Held under the theme, “Towards 2030: MUT’s Shared Vision for South Africa’s Higher Education Contribution to the Global World of Work,” the lecture brought together leaders from higher education, business, government, traditional leadership and civil society to reflect on the University’s founding legacy and the role of education in preparing young people for the future.

A significant moment was the reflection by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s eldest son, Prince Ntuthukoyezwe Zuzifa Buthelezi, who spoke about his father’s journey and deep love for education. His reflection highlighted the vision behind the establishment of MUT and his father’s belief in education as a means of opening opportunities and improving lives.

That vision continues to find expression in the University’s growth. Founded in 1979 with just 15 students, MUT now serves more than 13,500 students, with tens of thousands of graduates contributing to South Africa and beyond. The lecture connected this enduring legacy to the responsibility of equipping a new generation for a rapidly changing world.

In the University’s statement written by Mbali Mkhize ahead of the event, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Rushiella Songca emphasised the need for higher education to respond to technological change, widening inequalities and evolving economic demands. She called for universities, industry, government, young people and strategic partners to work together to ensure that education remains relevant, responsive and capable of creating opportunities.

The programme featured keynote speaker Mr Zwelakhe Mnguni, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Benguela Global Fund Managers. His journey from working as a security guard while saving for university to becoming an investment executive underscored the transformative potential of education, determination and access to opportunity.

These messages resonated with the lecture’s alignment to MUT’s IGNITE 2030 strategy, which prioritises future-fit teaching and learning, research and innovation, digital transformation, entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships.

Together, these priorities speak directly to the need to prepare young people for emerging technologies and changing skills requirements.

For the SAYC, attendance at the lecture reinforced the importance of ensuring that young people have a voice in shaping the future of higher education and the world of work. Meaningful partnerships between universities, government, business and youth organisations are essential to connecting learning with employment, entrepreneurship and community development.

The legacy honoured at the lecture carries a clear responsibility: to expand access to education and ensure that it continues to create meaningful opportunities for young people. The SAYC recognises the value of platforms that bring generations and sectors together to advance this shared purpose.

ENDS
Issued by:
South African Youth Council – eThekwini Metro
[email protected]

03/10/2026

28/09/2026

📢 DPSA VACANCIES | JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE

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20/09/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 September 2026

SAYC ETHEKWINI WELCOMES OPENING OF NSFAS 2027 APPLICATIONS AND URGES ELIGIBLE YOUTH TO APPLY EARLY

The South African Youth Council (SAYC) eThekwini Metro welcomes the official opening of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) 2027 applications, 18 September 2026, and calls on all eligible matriculants and youth to apply on time.

NSFAS remains a critical enabler for thousands of young people from poor and working-class backgrounds to access higher education at public universities and TVET colleges.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

SAYC urges applicants to check the following requirements before applying:

1. South African citizen or permanent resident;

2. Household income of R350 000 or less per year(or R600 000 or less per year for the loan scheme);

3. Enrolled or planning to enroll at a public university or TVET college;

4. Applying for a first-time undergraduate qualification.

DOCUMENTS TO PREPARE

Applicants are advised to prepare and upload the following:

1. Certified SA ID document or birth certificate;

2. Proof of household income (payslips, UIF, or SASSA confirmation, where applicable);

3. Completed and signed NSFAS consent and declaration forms (downloadable from the portal).

All applications must be submitted online at www.nsfas.org.za.

SAYC eThekwini encourages learners, parents, youth formations and community stakeholders to assist Grade 12 learners and out-of-school youth to apply early and correctly. Early application reduces the risk of exclusion due to system delays and missing documents.

The Council further calls on schools, TVET colleges, universities and local youth centres across eThekwini to provide support to applicants who may not have access to internet and smart devices.

Education is a right, not a privilege. No eligible young person should be left behind because of lack of information.

ISSUED BY:
South African Youth Council – eThekwini Metro
Email: [email protected]

ENDS.

16/09/2026

TAKEOFF TUESDAY

The Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), in partnership with DHL’s GoTrade initiative, is proud to launch the Africa–China Growth Series.

The first session will spotlight the cosmetics and food industries, exploring practical opportunities for MSMEs to grow through Africa–China trade.

Date: 29 September 2026

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/mu2v8523

14/09/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

SAYC ETHEKWINI METRO ATTENDS WOMEN IN BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM IN DURBAN

14 September 2026

South African Youth Council (SAYC) eThekwini Metro Chairperson Linhle Hlatshwayo and Regional Executive Committee (REC) Member Phumelele Mbobo attended the Women in Business Symposium held at The Station in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Led by Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, the symposium brought together women entrepreneurs and key stakeholders to promote access to finance, markets, business opportunities and professional networks.

During the event, the SAYC eThekwini Metro delegation engaged with Nosizwe Mbunquka, Business Development Facilitator at eThekwini Municipality. Their discussions focused on opportunities to support women-owned enterprises and strengthen collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The symposium also highlighted the distribution of productive assets to 60 women entrepreneurs through the Informal Micro Enterprise Development Programme. This initiative seeks to help women-owned enterprises progress from survival to sustainable growth.

The participation of Chairperson Lihle Hlatshwayo and REC Member Phumelele Mbobo reaffirmed the South African Youth Council eThekwini Metro’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, fostering strategic partnerships and promoting the meaningful participation of women and young people in the economy.

ENDS

09/09/2026

📢 YOUR NEXT WIL OPPORTUNITY IS HERE! 📢

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The Transnet Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme offers TVET College students an exciting opportunity to gain practical workplace experience, strengthen their skills, and build a solid foundation for future success.

If you've completed your theoretical studies and require workplace exposure to complete your qualification, this opportunity could be the career-building experience you've been waiting for.

🎓 Open WIL Opportunities
Non-Technical WIL Programme: TVET College
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✅ Office Administration
✅ Marketing Management

📌 Discipline-Specific Minimum Requirement
✔️ Matric Certificate
✔️ Completed theoretical N6 qualification

📌 General Minimum Requirements
✔️ South African citizen
✔️ Aged between 18-35 years
✔️ In-service training letter from your institution for the WIL Programme
✔️ Certified copy of ID and Matric Certificate
✔️ Full academic record/transcript
✔️ No bursary obligation with another company
✔️ Preference will be given to persons with disabilities

📄 Documents Required
🔗 Updated CV
🔗 Grade 12 report/certificate
🔗 Full academic transcript
🔗 In-service training letter
🔗 Certified copy of ID

⏳ Closing Date: 14 September 2026

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Every great career starts with an opportunity to learn. Don't miss your chance to gain meaningful workplace experience through the Transnet WIL Programme 2027 and position yourself for future success in the world of work.

04/09/2026

Delayed post

MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

04 September 2026

SAYC ETHEKWINI SUPPORTS YOUTH COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT AT YOUTH IN BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM

DURBAN –The South African Youth Council (SAYC) eThekwini Metro participated in the Youth In Business Symposium hosted by the Youth Cooperative Hub Tertiary Cooperative Ltd on Monday, 31 August 2026 at the Durban Jewish Hall, Durban.

The symposium celebrated the conclusion of four training interventions delivered this year — Business Administration, New Venture Creation, Financial Management, and Business Compliance — reaching 45 young cooperators drawn from ten youth cooperatives across the eThekwini region.

The programme was held to reflect on the outcomes of the training, share experiences of young cooperators, and chart a path forward for youth-owned enterprises through strengthened partnerships.

SAYC eThekwini Metro was represented by Metro Secretary Sphamandla Khomo together with Regional Executive Committee (REC) Member Sipho Dlamini, who attended the programme on behalf of the regional leadership.

SAYC eThekwini Metro welcomed the invitation to preside over the celebration and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth cooperatives as a vehicle for job creation, skills development and economic participation and SAYC commends the Youth Cooperative Hub Tertiary Cooperative Ltd for its contribution to youth enterprise development and congratulates the 45 young cooperators who completed the programme.

The Council remains committed to advancing youth cooperatives, entrepreneurship and sustainable youth-owned businesses within the metro.

ISSUED BY:
South African Youth Council – eThekwini Metro
Email: [email protected]

ENDS.