By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – Farmer Sicelo Dlamini attributes his success to the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF).
Dlamini, who resides in Shewula in the Lubombo region, focuses on tomato production, having currently planted 12,000 tomato plants. The 32-year-old stated that without the assistance he received from the YERF, he could have faced the prospect of going out of business.
Dlamini was granted a loan of E30 000 to initiate his vegetable production enterprise. He indicated that his target market is Namboard. On Saturday, March 1, 2025, his business was visited by the YERF Board, which included Deputy Chairperson Thulile Phasha Zwane, Board members Tebesutfu Magagula, Banele Manyatsi, Mncedisi Nxumalo, Sandile Ndabezitha, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mandla Nkambule.
Dlamini expressed that his primary challenge is securing land, as he is currently renting the space he utilizes.
“There are seven individuals I am currently working with. I am grateful to the Youth Fund for their financial assistance in launching our business. I am committed to my work, and there is substantial profit to be made in my tomato production venture,” he remarked.
Dlamini encouraged other young people to engage in business, noting the ongoing challenges in securing employment. He expressed satisfaction that his business has created jobs for seven people, even though their salaries are modest. Nevertheless, he emphasized that they are able to earn a living.
Deputy Chairperson Thulile Phasha Zwane expressed her delight that some of the youth businesses they are funding have achieved success. She urged parents and community leaders to support the youth, particularly in securing land and infrastructure necessary to establish their businesses. She acknowledged that the predominant challenges revolve around acquiring land and essential infrastructure to initiate business operations.
