By Nasiphi Mabusela – Icamagu News Reporter
Buffalo City, Eastern Cape – In a powerful display of collaboration and commitment to youth development, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in Buffalo City Metro, in partnership with the Ndevana Location Community Policing Forum and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, hosted a Youth Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Dialogue Thursday.
The event, held in Ndevana, aimed to empower young people with vital knowledge and resources, while fostering cooperation among youth entrepreneurs and cooperatives. The dialogue also sought to inspire young people to view entrepreneurship not just as a means of survival, but as a viable and rewarding career path.
A wide range of stakeholders attended the dialogue, representing both government and civil society. These included the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, Ikamva Youth in partnership with Absa, Walter Sisulu University, and Lovedale FET College.
Also present were representatives from the Independent Electoral Commission, Foundation for Professional Development, Department of Employment and Labour, Department of Human Settlements, Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Bumb’Ingomso, and the South African Youth Council. Several parliamentary constituency offices lent their support to the event as well.
Stakeholders engaged in discussions around sustainable economic opportunities, access to funding, education and training, and the critical role of youth in building resilient local economies. Information booths and breakout sessions provided attendees with guidance on starting and managing cooperatives, as well as accessing support from various government and private sector programs.
The Youth Dialogue marked a crucial step in bridging the gap between young people and available opportunities. By bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs and key development partners under one roof, the event underscored the collective responsibility of all sectors in driving inclusive economic growth.
