Mpumalanga entrepreneur Lizzy Nyathi will now be able to drill a borehole which will enable the use of an additional two hectares of farmland on the property where she grows high-value crops, courtesy of a grant from the Mpumalanga Economic Development and Tourism and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Nyathi, Director of Lisima Trading and Projects, said the grant addresses infrastructure constraints that have limited production. The funding coincides with a new contract to supply high-value crops.
“This implies market boost, staff training, product development, and sustainable initiatives,” Nyathi told Vutivi Business News.
Previously, water shortages and operational limits restricted growth, but the funding now allows the enterprise to scale production and reach broader markets.
Grant recipients honoured
The Mpumalanga Economic Development and Tourism, together with the NYDA, recently honoured Nyathi and 30 other young entrepreneurs at the Mpumalanga Tourism Youth Fund Grant Handover Ceremony. The entrepreneurs are driving the growth of the province’s tourism sector, bringing fresh ideas, resilience, and entrepreneurial ambition to the industry.
The funding is not just a financial boost; it serves as a catalyst for growth, enabling young tourism businesses to expand their capacity, improve infrastructure, access new markets, and create jobs. Entrepreneurs emphasise, however, that mentorship and ongoing support remain critical for sustaining long-term success.
Funding set to strengthen businesses
Sinenhlanhla Ngubane, co-founder of The Restoration Spa, said the funding will strengthen and scale the business in both the short and medium terms.
“In the short term, it will allow us to acquire essential equipment, improve service delivery, and enhance the guest experience,” Ngubane explained. A partnership in the works with a local hotel will expand clientele and integrate the spa more fully into the tourism value chain.
Over the medium term, Ngubane plans to increase capacity, create employment opportunities, and collaborate more effectively with lodges and hotels, positioning the business for sustainable growth within the tourism sector.
Unlocking infrastructure and market access
Expanding capacity in hospitality
Bandile Nduli, Director of Mpisana Boutique Guesthouse, highlighted the practical impact of the funding. Limited furniture and operational rooms had forced guests to return, slowing business growth.
“With this support, we can increase clientele, improve guest experience, and benefit from positive word-of-mouth marketing,” Nduli said. Similarly, Katlego Moloto, founder of Body Bar Studio, will now be able to take larger bookings, increase sales revenue, and create more jobs.
For these entrepreneurs, the immediate benefits include better service delivery, higher revenue, and increased operational capacity. All are essential for thriving in a competitive tourism sector.
Mentorship and support remain key
Despite the boost from funding, recipients highlighted the need for ongoing mentorship, skills training, and market access.
Ngubane stressed that support in financial management, marketing, and networking with established tourism players is critical. Nyathi and Moloto echoed the importance of mentorship, while Nduli highlighted emotional and community support as vital during challenging periods.
The consensus is clear that funding is essential, but long-term sustainability requires a structured ecosystem of guidance and opportunity.
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Mpumalanga Tourism Youth Fund Grant Handover Ceremony
