Empowering Ward 26 Entrepreneurs: JB Marks and NYDA Celebrate Business Training Graduates

The Mohadin Community Library in Potchefstroom came alive on Friday, 10 October 2025, as proud young entrepreneurs from Ward 26 received their certificates for successfully completing the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Business Management training. The event, hosted under the banner of the JB Marks Local Municipality, marked another positive step in strengthening youth empowerment and entrepreneurship within the community.

Image: JB Marks

A Celebration of Determination and Growth

The certificate handover ceremony was led by Ward 26 Councillor Tau Huddleston Mogorosi, joined by Mr. Sandile Tyatya, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Speaker, and representatives from the JB Marks leadership, including Ald. Rosy Dassie, Speaker of Council. Together, they congratulated the group of participants for their commitment to upskilling themselves and contributing to the local economy.

The NYDA Business Management course equips young people with essential entrepreneurial tools, from developing business plans and budgeting to marketing, customer care, and financial literacy. Many of the graduates expressed that the training not only opened their eyes to business opportunities but also gave them confidence to take the next step in establishing or growing their small enterprises.

Councillor Mogorosi highlighted the importance of community-driven development, emphasizing that youth training initiatives are critical for long-term sustainability. “Our young people are full of ideas and energy. What they often need is access to the right knowledge and support structures. Through this partnership with NYDA, we are helping them turn potential into progress,” he said.

Image: JB Marks

Creating Economic Opportunities Through Learning

The Business Management programme is part of the JB Marks Municipality’s broader vision of promoting inclusive growth. It aligns closely with the municipality’s slogan, “Marks of Excellence,” and supports the objectives of the National Development Plan 2030 by empowering the youth to become active participants in South Africa’s economic landscape.

During the training, participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering topics such as record-keeping, financial discipline, market research, and leadership. Several attendees shared how the programme helped them structure their ideas into feasible business models and build confidence in handling finances and clients. For many, this was their first exposure to formal entrepreneurship education, a stepping stone to independence.

Mr. Sandile Tyatya, speaking on behalf of the Speaker’s Office, praised the NYDA’s commitment to local empowerment. “This initiative is not just about certificates, it’s about building a foundation for young people to create opportunities, employ others, and drive innovation in their communities,” he said. He further encouraged the graduates to remain connected with local mentorship programmes and municipal business support platforms to continue their entrepreneurial journeys.

A Community Committed to Progress

The NYDA training programme demonstrates the impact of collaboration between local government structures and national youth development agencies. By focusing on practical learning and grassroots empowerment, such initiatives help bridge the unemployment gap and foster self-reliance among young people in Potchefstroom.

The graduates, many of them first-time business owners, left the event motivated to put their newly acquired skills into action. As certificates were handed over, smiles and applause filled the library, a reminder that real progress begins when education meets opportunity.

Ward 26 continues to position itself as a hub of innovation and youth leadership under the JB Marks Local Municipality’s ongoing efforts to build a thriving, inclusive economy. Through training, mentorship, and partnerships, the municipality aims to nurture a generation of self-sufficient entrepreneurs capable of transforming both their lives and the broader community.

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