KOMANI-On the 5th of March2025, the Isiqalo Youth Fund initiative awarded a R1.2 million truck to Nandipha Oliphant, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Emalahleni Local Municipality in Eastern Cape. The handover took place at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre in Komani and was officiated by the Mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality Cllr. Nontombizanele Koni.
The Isiqalo Youth Fund is a partnership between the Eastern Cape provincial government and the National Youth Development Agency which aims at supporting young entrepreneurs in the province.
Oliphant who started Lupha Enterprise in 2019 as a transport business expressed her delight at receiving the truck, which will allow her to expand her operations into the construction industry and create new jobs. “The truck is equipped with hydraulics for multi functionality, which will allow our business to expand and take on new jobs in the transport and construction industries,” she said.
Mayor Koni emphasized the importance of the funding for the development of young people in the province. She called on other young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the initiative.
“The funding is proof that the provincial government is committed to supporting young entrepreneurs and young people must persevere more because the funding is available for them,” Said Koni.
The Isiqalo Youth Fund initiative is part of a broader effort by the provincial government to address youth unemployment and poverty in the Eastern Cape. According to recent statistics, the province has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in South Africa, with more than half of young people aged 15-24 not in employment, education or training.