Minister Stella Tembisa Ndabeni Leads Youth Day Commemoration and Launch of Peo Pele Youth Fund in QwaQwa
Youth Entrepreneurship and Economic Inclusion at the Centre of DSBD Programme
The Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, invites members of the media and public to attend the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) Portfolio Youth Day Commemoration and the launch of the Peo Pele Youth Fund, which will take place in QwaQwa, Free State, on Saturday, 27 June 2026.
The Peo Pele Youth Fund is a revitalised youth entrepreneurship support programme aimed at expanding access to funding, business development support, and market opportunities for young entrepreneurs
Youth Day Commemoration Connects Freedom With Economic Empowerment
The event marks 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising, honouring the courage and sacrifices of young people who contributed to South Africa’s liberation. The commemoration will also focus on the next frontier of freedom, economic inclusion, ownership, and entrepreneurship for young people.
Hosted across various municipalities within the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, the programme combines commemoration with various interventions to advance youth entrepreneurship and economic participation.
Skills Development Programme Equips Youth for Future Industries
The programme includes:
- A week-long Youth Enterprise Readiness Campaign, running from 22 June 2026, featuring practical skills development and entrepreneurship training across various sectors, including nail technology, wig making, baking and confectionery, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics
- Informal Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP) equipment handover on 26 June 2026, led by the Minister of Small Business Development
- A Symbolic Youth Enterprise Walk on 27 June 2026, reflecting on the journey from political freedom to economic empowerment.
- A Youth Imbizo, led by the Minister of Small Business Development together with other dignitaries on 27 June 2026.
- A Market Village showcasing youth-owned enterprises, pop-up markets, and the Spaza Shop Support Fund outreach, running from 22 June 2026.
- Integrated mobile services-on-wheels providing access to government services, financial institutions, and entrepreneurship ecosystem partners.
Commemorating the Past While Investing in Future Entrepreneurs
The commemoration aims to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs by connecting young people with funding, business development support, markets, and opportunities for sustainable economic participation.
Event Details
Members of the media and the public are invited to attend
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 27 June 2026 |
| Time | 09:00 |
| Venue | Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Hall, QwaQwa, Free State |
| RSVP | Amanda Moropa |
| amanda@zebraconsulting.co.za |
Attendance is free; however, all guests are requested to RSVP in advance.
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