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Commercial farmers, entrepreneurs and previously disadvantaged individuals, among others, living in the North West have been encouraged to apply for funding for agricultural projects.

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in conjunction with the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development have opened applications for financial aid for agricultural and rural development projects.

Two young people are creating jobs for the youth, thanks to a loan from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

The owners of the Maloka Machaba Surfacing, Kate Machaba and Matshela Maloka, have hired 28 people, most of whom are young, at their Polokwane-based asphalt business. Five of these are women.

Both civil engineers and both 32 years of age, they are passionate about being drivers of the economy.

Their business offers three main services: the manufacturing, surfacing and transporting of both hot and cold mix asphalt.

Rural and township learners in the Free State are benefiting from the creative genius of 28-year-old Mbangiso Mabaso.

Mabaso is the founder of Sisanda Tech, which runs a project called SI Realities, a virtual science laboratory that uses enhanced virtual reality to make learning science easy, fun and engaging. The technology allows users to perform experiments using a smartphone.

Government's Thusong programme aims to give marginalised communities access to information, services and opportunities.

For the past 20 years, Thusong service centres have been a critical driving force for change in South Africa. 

Skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their newborn infants fosters better bonding and happier, healthier babies.

South African hospitals are taking inspiration from nature to save the lives of babies born prematurely, using a practice known as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).

Self-determination is the driving force behind young Bloemfontein farmer Kanyi Gabiro who sells washed, chopped and packaged fresh fruit and vegetables, all of which she lovingly grows herself.

Her business, SA Fruition (Pty) Ltd, has been operating for six months, supplying its products to local businesses and individuals.

Dr Pholoshi Maake (34) feels privileged to enjoy the fruits of the sacrifices made by the youth of previous generations, particularly the 1976 students who demanded better education for black people in South Africa.

A guiding hand, the chance to learn a skill and be exposed to the workplace is transforming the lives of vulnerable youngsters in the Western Cape.

In 2010, husband and wife team Anton and Elana Cuyler traded in their jobs in England and moved to Cape Town to volunteer as youth workers at the Bay Community Church in Vrygrond – an area characterised by terrible living conditions, abuse, gangsterism and violence.

A Hammanskraal entrepreneur is committed to transferring his skills as a potter to youngsters in his community so that they too can generate an income for themselves.