New Vibrant Manzini Youth Chamber of Commerce Ready to Make a Mark!
“Intergenerational solidarity: Creating a world for all ages.” The 2023 International Youth Day theme has been coined and it speaks to issues that are affecting the youth and how the youth as a whole can work together to come up with strategic solutions to combat youth related issues globally. As a city, it is imperative to honor the youth of Manzini by extending a helping hand through the provision of resources and a platform for the local youth to thrive and contribute to the development of the city’s economy. The Municipality is proud to share that on the 31st of March 2023 Council welcomed the official launch and grand opening of the official Manzini Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry 2023. The launch was attended by numerous young people who were keen to actively partake in finding solutions to local issues affecting the youth of Manzini and devise usable and effective strategies in which the Municipality and the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries can be able to work together to impart progress.
The Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a youth led entity focused on advancing the interests of the youth in the business community. The YCCIE has encouraged the establishment of YCCIE Chapters in local authorities, where towns such as Manzini, Mbabane, Ezulwini and Matsapha have established their chapters. On the day in celebration the youth of Manzini also elected the official Manzini Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry Committee (MYCCI) which will be participating in various Council Projects aimed at bridging the gap between skills and opportunities.
The following are the (5) Committee Members for the 2023 Manzini Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries;
Warren Barbosa- Chairperson- Founder of WJB Suppliers a Medical pharmaceutical Supplying Company based in Manzini.
“I am mostly looking forward to developing young business people and changing the city’s economic paradigm, as I believe that our strengths combined as the youth will help us harness greater results which will help in decreasing youth unemployment in the city at large. What warms my heart is seeing young people thriving and making an honest living independently.”
Bongumenzi Mohammed- Vice Chairperson- Founder of Swazee Investments a Property Management Company based in Manzini.
“I look forward to seeing the youth growing collectively in business, I would honestly find thrill in seeing the number of the Manzini youth joining the youth chamber and showing great interest in business related matters. I would further like to see through the establishment of solid youth support structures and platforms where the youth will support and help each other navigate the corporate and business world. I am keenly looking to contribute to the growth and success of the Manzini Youth Chamber and Industry as a whole.”
Zandisile Mavimbela- Treasurer- Founder of Eagle Queens Girls Club, and Entrepreneur.
“I highly understand that this position requires that I pay close attention to the utilization of the Chamber’s Funds, and also creating strategies that will help to effectively liaise with the Municipality, local companies, and the national government at large to generate funding opportunities for the success and effectiveness of our chamber. I am honestly fully committed to ensuring the execution of a majority of the Manzini Youth based projects to encourage income growth and economic independence to the youth population of the Manzini City.”
Melusi Mnisi- Vice Secretary General- Founder of Ikleri Store, Entrepreneur
“I am looking forward to work with the Municipality to improve youth sport facilities around the city of Manzini as I believe they play a crucial role in grounding the youth because they keep them busy. Investing in youth sport facilities is also a way for the Municipality to help control the usage of drugs and committing of crimes in the city. I am also looking forward to learning all aspects of the Municipality’s service delivery procedures and the opportunities available from the Council.”
Melody Languela- Secretary General
The 2019-2024 Integrated Development Plan strategic objective (5) guides that the Municipality shall be responsible for stimulating the City’s socio-economic growth and increase employment opportunities by 2024. This objective is further supported by the International Youth for Global Goals (Y4GG) which is an initiative that aims to activate young people to contribute towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also referred to as the Global Goals and Agenda 2030. It is fulfilling to see the city of Manzini determined to align with the above mentioned and establishing youth based initiatives like the Manzini Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry where the youth can actively partake in the harness of a smart city of Manzini.