The Ithala Mayibuye Youth in Business competition, run in partnership with the Department of Education, provides a unique opportunity for grade 12 learners from historically disadvantaged schools in KwaZulu-Natal, to present their business ideas with a view to starting their own enterprises.

 

Educators from schools who express an interest in participating undergo training offered by Ithala, at no cost to the school, on how to develop a business plan. 

 

This information is then imparted to learners prior to preparing their entries.

 

Business plans are submitted and evaluated against set criteria with selections being made where the learners are required to present their plans to qualify for the finals. The chosen finalists are then invited to share their business concepts with judges and guests at an annual awards event during which the winners and runners-up are announced.

 

The competition has made great strides since its initial launch in 2004 and emphasizes Ithala’s continued commitment to promoting a spirit of entrepreneurship amongst the youth of KwaZulu-Natal.