Mbabane – Twelve young entrepreneurs have been commissioned to launch a landscaping project in Mbabane under a joint initiative between the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund and the Municipal Council of Mbabane.
The entrepreneurs, the first cohort to be funded under the programme, were formally commissioned on Tuesday by Mbabane Mayor His Worship Thulani Mkhonto, alongside members of the council.
Each of the 12 entrepreneurs will receive a loan of E40,000, bringing the total funding to E480,000. The money was facilitated through an order finance model, with the Municipal Council of Mbabane acting as the issuer and having formally signed the cessions for the project. 
YERF Chief Executive Officer Mandla Nkambule told the entrepreneurs they had earned their place in the programme.
“You should be proud of yourselves for having successfully navigated the application process. Your ideas distinguished you, which is why you are here today. This milestone calls upon your group to work collaboratively to achieve even greater goals. I urge you not to become ‘village champions,’ but rather to position yourselves as resource persons who can assist other young people with viable ideas to also receive funding,” Nkambule said.
Mayor Mkhonto congratulated the group and called on them to maintain the highest standards in their work.
“Applaud the highest standards of compliance by adhering to regulations, safety requirements, and operation guidelines, most importantly be accountable, take pride in your work, recognising that the conditions and appearance of our City are a direct reflection of commitment and professionalism and efforts. Through your dedication, you are not only building your business but a cleaner, more vibrant and economically competitive Mbabane,” the mayor said.
Landscaping equipment allocated to the first cohort of entrepreneurs funded under the joint YERF and Municipal Council of Mbabane initiative. (Photo: Youth Enterprise Fund Eswatini)
He also spoke to the council’s broader vision for the capital. “As a council, our vision is to empower youth, grow small businesses and build a City that is clean, vibrant and economically active. Together, let’s build a clean City and a stronger generation of entrepreneurs.”
Mbabane City Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze addressed the young entrepreneurs as a parent would, urging them to carry the moment with responsibility.
“You are our pioneers, you carry not only tools in your hands, but also the hopes of many Emaswati who look to your success and proof that change is possible. We encourage you to approach this opportunity with dedication, discipline, and integrity,” Fakudze said.
