By Ayanda Dlamini
The Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) has entered a new leadership chapter with Zitsile Dlamini’s appointment as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors.
Her appointment follows the resignation of former Chairperson, Sifiso Dhlamini, in August 2025, marking a significant change in the Fund’s governance.
In the same announcement, the Fund confirmed the reappointment of Director Banele Manyatsi for another three-year term, extending his service until September 2028.
The Minister of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Bongani Muzi Nzima, announced that this leadership transition is a key moment for the organization as it enhances its mission to empower young entrepreneurs across Eswatini.
The Minister expressed sincere appreciation to both outgoing and current Board members for their unwavering dedication to advancing YERF’s national mission: ensuring that young EmaSwati meaningfully participate in the mainstream economy through sustainable entrepreneurship.
He praised the Board for its resilience and strategic leadership during uncertain times, noting that its collective efforts kept the Fund aligned with its development goals despite tough economic conditions.
The Minister further emphasized key priorities that will guide YERF’s strategic agenda under the new Board leadership.
Chief among these is a review of the Fund’s loan interest rates, aimed at ensuring affordability for young entrepreneurs and maintaining alignment with the Fund’s developmental mandate.
By maintaining accessible interest rates, YERF aims to keep removing obstacles that often prevent youth from starting or growing their businesses. Another major priority is amending the YERF Regulations, a step expected to greatly improve operational efficiency.
The proposed amendments will allow the Fund to handle key functions internally, such as project viability assessments and loan collections, thus lowering dependence on external processes.
Minister Nzima emphasized that bringing these functions in-house will reduce loan processing times to within 30 days, making the Fund more responsive to youth needs and more appealing to potential applicants.
Along with structural reforms, the Minister urged the Board and management to adopt innovative and unconventional methods, encouraging them to embrace “business unusual.”
He highlighted agriculture as a sector with strong potential for youth-led change. Among his innovative ideas were initiatives that could help young people access land and farming infrastructure, such as leasing farmland, setting up essential facilities, and dividing land into manageable plots for aspiring agripreneurs.
Such interventions, he said, would establish YERF as a strong financial institution capable of boosting economic growth and creating jobs. He stressed that YERF must remain vibrant, adaptable, and proactive, continually creating pathways that uplift and empower young EmaSwati.
He extended warm congratulations to Dlamini on her appointment and to Manyatsi for his re-appointment, noting that their selection reflects the Government’s confidence in their leadership and vision.
He pledged his full support to the Board, management, and staff, affirming the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with YERF as it strives to transform the country’s youth enterprise landscape.