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The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) has to date approved R4.5 billion in funding for black entrepreneurs in different sectors of the economy.

It’s that time of the year again when President Jacob Zuma delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA), outlining government priorities for the year ahead. This year’s SONA takes place on 14 February. It is an opportunity for the President, as head of state, to assess the country’s domestic and foreign outlook and to outline key projects to improve government’s efforts to achieve a better life for South Africans. Vuk’uzenzele caught up with ordinary South Africans to find out what issues they expect the President to address.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has begun the third phase of its campaign to re-register recipients of social grants.

Those who receive social grants have to reregister on the new biometric-based payment system to receive a new SASSA payment card. The card is convenient, easy to use and allows people to get their social grants from an ATM, cash pay point or retail store.

Youth matters

Empowering other young women is the joint goal of Vonani Mathebula and Thandeka Myeza - both successful beneficiaries of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). Through their own start-up businesses, these youngsters have managed to encourage and inspire others in their communities. Vuk’uzenzele caught up with the two to find out what makes them great role models in their communities.

Vonani Mathebula

Youth matters

This year the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), in partnership with the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, will step up efforts to tackle drug and alcohol abuse among the youth.

Youth matters

South Africa will play host to the International Youth Work Conference on Education and Training of Youth Workers from 18 to 20 March 2013.

Infrastructure development

Thousands of Eastern Cape pupils, who were once taught in mud huts and other unsafe structures, started school with raised spirits this year as they entered brand-new classrooms.

Infrastructure development

Last year Thato Kekana attended school in a prefabricated classroom, always at the mercy of the weather.

The Public Protector South Africa has appointed 100 trainee investigators to help improve the speed and rigour of its investigations.

In 2011 Mandisa Nkamba Kadalie swapped her designer suits and stilettos for an apron and has not looked back since. The former Absa black business development consultant says it has always been her dream to own a place where she could cook, host and serve food to her clients.