Ntuli says probe into KZN Youth Fund mismanagement finds systemic glitches

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said an investigation into mismanagement at the provincial youth fund has found a slew of systemic glitches within the initiative.

The KZN Youth Fund, which is meant to empower small and developing businesses, came under spotlight in May for mismanagement and favouritism linked to the awarding of the funds.

The premier briefed the media in Durban on Monday on the matter.

In June, Ntuli appointed investigators to look into the alleged mismanagement and political favouritism linked to the youth fund.

A number of aspiring and young businesspeople complained about not receiving funding despite meeting all the criteria.

They alleged the beneficiaries had some connections.

Ntuli gave feedback on his political report: “The report has been carefully reviewed and as anticipated, it highlighted certain systemic loopholes in the application processes and proposed on how to deal with them.”

The findings also recommend the cancellation of two individuals who were approved even though they are not from ZN.

The premier said people who are meant to benefit will be awarded their funds before end of 2025.

“I can confirm that there is a total of 19 approved and successful applicants whose applications were found not to have any problems or loopholes. These will be awarded funding before the end of this December 2025.”

Meanwhile, about 39 applicants have been given 30 days to rectify some discrepancies on their applications.