The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) remains fully committed to the principles of the District Development Model, strengthening coordination across all spheres of government and bringing services closer to where people live, work, and build businesses.
This was said by the Head of Communication and Marketing (Interim) at the dtic, Mr Nyiko Nkuna. Nkuna was delivering his remarks at the build-up session for the Mangaung Youth Expo that will take place tomorrow, 4 July 2025.
The session is hosted by the dtic in partnership with Mangaung Municipality under the theme: “Dare to Rewrite Your Metro.” The expo seeks to promote education and skills development through exposing young people, graduates to opportunities available in various sectors aligned to ICT and manufacturing industries within the Metro.
According to Nkuna, South Africa is a nation that works for all, and this spirit must translate into an economy that benefits everyone, urban and rural, formal and informal, young and old.
“We must push for the economy that is inclusive and works for all. Today’s visit to Botshabelo is not symbolic, it is practical and deliberate,” said Nkuna.
“We are here to engage, listen, and support economic development at the local level. As the dtic, our mandate is to create an enabling environment for inclusive growth, enterprise development, investment promotion, and industrialisation. This includes ensuring that businesses, formal and informal, existing and aspiring, have access to the tools, knowledge, and institutional support they need to grow,” said Nkuna.
To give practical effect to this, Nkuna said the department brought some of the key business units and its entities that play a crucial role in supporting economic participation. The business units and entities include the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the Companies Tribunal, the National Gambling Board (NGB), National Empowerment Fund (NEF), National Consumer Commission (NCC) and the department’s Incentives, Innovation and Technology and Cosmetics Sector desks.
“The information we are bringing to the youth today includes topics on business registration and advice on protecting intellectual property, funding opportunities and support mechanisms, especially for black-owned enterprises and strategic industrial projects, how emerging technologies can be leveraged by small businesses and local industries. You will also learn more about protection of consumer rights, promoting fair business practices, and ensuring that markets function in a way that is transparent and safe for all,” said Nkuna.
Nkuna concluded by making a commitment to clarify government services and ensure that every entrepreneur, co-operative, informal trader, and industrial player knows that they are not alone. He said the dtic and its entities exist to walk this journey with entrepreneurs, whether starting or seeking to expand.
The department also be represented at the Youth in Business Dialogue and showcase its products and services during the Mangaung Youth Expo on 4 July 2025. This is where other National and Provincial Departments, State Owned Entities, Private Sector and Industry Partners will be showcasing their services to the youth with disabilities, local youth entrepreneurs, unemployed youth, unemployed graduates, students, community members and other local stakeholders in the Mangaung Metro.
Head of Communication and Marketing (Interim) at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Mr Nyiko Nkuna
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Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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