In a country with the highest rates of unemployment exceeding 43.2%, a young fragrance supplier Yonwaba Nyathela (28) has vowed to challenge the status quo. Just recently, all political parties made promises to the electorate the tackling joblessness as number one almost throughout. It is yet to be seen, as councillors just recently took the auth of office. Meanwhile, Yonwaba and some young entrepreneurs in the Alfred Nzo district municipality have vowed to tackle unemployment head-on.
The recent event held at the Bizana Youth Centre saw the launch of Yonwaba’s Beauty Fragrance. “Because of the anger and frustration of seeing my mother missing Christmas, birthdays and most important events in my life due to work commitments I decided to start my own business (the first fragrance factory of its kind in Bizana).” – she said.
The company is a cosmetics supplier which is a self-funded business that employs two female staff at the moment. Yonwaba is very committed to the vision and understands the challenges of youth unemployment. She currently manufactures her own products from her home in the Ntlakhwe location, in Bizana. She used the pre-launch to share the talent of local artists as the stage was blessed with a variety of artists from hip-hop, gospel, and poetry.
Yonwaba’s Beauty Fragrance manufactures products such as body lotions, body oils, roll-ons, hair food and perfumes.
One of the artists who performed in the prelaunch was Durban-based local gospel artist Joe Ndlovu who originally hails from the Ntsimbini locality. “Youth from Bizana are very progressive and proactive, my advice is not to give up and trust in the Lord, God.” – Joe said, adding that “we have to be supportive of each other’s initiatives. Especially that this is a female initiative, we know about gender-based-violence and how females are lacking behind from being empowered.”. Joe also closed the event with his smashing heat.
Fundile Hlabe (31) another gospel artist from the Dindini location who started his recording career in 2019 says “we have challenges when it comes to recording studio equipment and equipment for doing our own events.” Fundile urges the local municipality to support local artists.
RnB artist Zinya Yolokazi (16) says she learnt a lot from participating in the event as it also marked her first stage presence. She aims to record more songs and shoot music videos for her music to help promote her artistry.
Mabadla Dlamini also known as “Sibalikhiulu” a gospel artist who hails from Egugwini, (Umzimkhulu) currently a resident in Bizana said it was a wonderful experience to share his music with both the young and the old. Showing indeed that the gospel can accommodate everyone. “My advice to the youth is to unite and know that through God everything is possible.” Adding that as an artist older than everyone, it is important to respect your audience and fellow artists.
A stunning performance by local poet Dlavu left the audience mesmerized and left them wanting more. Dlavu is a seasoned poet, artist and well-known community activist in the Alfred Nzo district municipality.
To order your products from Yonaba’s Beauty Fragrance facebook page
