For a limited time, you'll be able to shop products from these youth-owned businesses at the Woolworths store in Gateway.
There's local lekkar, and there's no better way to show your support than by shopping South African brands.
There is an adult youth from SA unemployment crisis, This will take years, if not decades, to deal with.
This Youth Month, Woolworths South Africa is focusing on young people who are creating employment opportunities for themselves and others through their businesses.
Earlier this month, the popular retailer announced its 2026 Youth Makers list. 15 youth were included in the list entrepreneurs From all over South Africa.
Durban's Abhishek Lukola was among the inspiring young makers. He started Myka Accessories in 2021 as a hobby. A year later, she officially launched her brand, which specializes in handmade statement bags and Afrocentric accessories.
Lucola's pieces are designed for everyday wear, and he hopes they inspire confidence. A message on Myka Accessories website It explains how each design comes to life.
“Mayaka was born out of a fascination with shapes, textures, traditional bag silhouettes and the idea that accessories can feel deeply personal.
“Some designs are inspired by everyday objects, architecture, motion or shapes we naturally encounter. Others simply start from creative curiosity and a desire to create something beautiful from beads.”
Reading: KZN youth: the future is in good hands
Woolworths launched the Youth Makers Competition in 2023 to help young entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.
“The Youth Makers Competition is part of Woolworths' Inclusive Justice Initiative and the company's commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future for all,” the retailer said in a statement.
“Recognizing that youth hold the key to South Africa’s future, the retailer aims to empower and uplift young small business owners, facilitate access to the economy and help improve the socio-economic reality of our youth – an important step towards building an inclusive economy.”
Woolworths experts will help mentor all 15 Youth Makers. They will also receive a R130,000 grant, along with guidance on “financial, operational and long-term sustainability”.
Some of this year's young makers will be showcasing their products at Woolworths stores in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town from next week.
Young Producer in Durban
Place: Woolworths Gateway Shopping Centre, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
date: June 24 – July 5
You can also meet the winners on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5.
Take a look at the other youth-owned businesses on the 2026 Woolworths Youth Makers list here.
Baliwe Sibisi (Ubaliwe)
A handmade ceramics brand that creates soulful, functional pieces inspired by African heritage, storytelling and purpose.
Patrick Ferguson (Patrick Ferguson Design)
A fashion studio creating timeless, sustainable apparel rooted in African craftsmanship and intentional design.
Buhle Ramalepa (pattern by Buhle)
An African-inspired art and pattern design that offers the transformation of everyday objects into bold, functional statement pieces.
Thembeka Dube (Quadube Essentials)
A home décor and fragrance label specializing in luxury home fragrances and handmade goods.
Five Mareca (Hide and Suede)
A self-taught leather artisan creates handmade bags, purses, personalized gifts and leather home goods.
Nthato Motlana (Marapyané Farm)
A youth-owned agribusiness that produces and packages fresh vegetables for local markets.
Lethabo Mokoena (Walk Fresh)
South Africa's leading sneaker care service offering premium cleaning solutions and locally manufactured care products.
Kuhle Phumzile Zondo (E_Mania)
A sustainable fashion and production brand that empowers emerging African creatives through design, manufacturing and shared studio services.
Victoria Ongansi (Victory)
A luxury African streetwear collection that blends fashion, identity and storytelling through bold, conscious design.
Andile Sasanti (Well N Well)
A health-focused food label that produces unsweetened, plant-based cultured almond milk using indigenous superfoods.
Nonhle Matsebula (Girl Boss Africa)
A beauty and empowerment enterprise creating natural hair and skin care products for young African girls while promoting confidence and mentorship.
Nadia Jacobs (Noak)
A womenswear brand that creates romantic, timeless and trendy apparel focused on individuality and self-expression.
Refillway Zaba (Glolux Kiddies)
A natural haircare range for children, offering gentle, nourishing products formulated for textured and African hair.
Kemogetswe Matsho (Maru Maphiri Group)
An education and publishing company that uses storytelling to teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship and life skills to children.
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Image Credit: Woolworths