Meet the young entrepreneurs showcasing their products in Durban
For a limited time, you will be able to shop for products from these youth-owned businesses at the Woolworths store in Gateway.
Local is lekker, and there is no better way to show your support than shopping South African brands.
SA has a major youth unemployment crisis, which will take years - if not decades - to tackle.
This Youth Month, Woolworths South Africa has been spotlighting 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. The list featured 15 young entrepreneurs from all over South Africa.
Durban's Anointing Lukola was among the inspiring Youth Makers. She started Mayaka Accessories as a hobby in 2021. One year later, she officially launched her brand, which specialises in handcrafted statement bags and Afrocentric accessories.
Lukola's pieces are designed for everyday wear, and she hopes that they inspire confidence. A message on the Mayaka Accessories website reveals how each design comes to life.
"Mayaka was born from a fascination with shape, texture, traditional bag silhouettes, and the idea that accessories could feel deeply personal.
"Some designs are inspired by everyday objects, architecture, movement, or shapes we encounter naturally. Others simply begin with creative curiosity and the desire to create something beautiful from beads."
READ: 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 forms part of the Woolworths Inclusive Justice Initiative and the company’s commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future for all," the retailer said in a statement.
"Understanding 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 – a vital step towards building an inclusive economy."
Woolworths experts will help mentor all 15 Youth Makers. They will also receive guidance on "financial, operational and long-term sustainability", as well as a R130,000 grant.
Some of this year's Youth Makers will showcase their products at Woolworths stores in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town starting next week.
Youth Makers in Durban
Location: Woolworths Gateway Shopping Centre, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Date: 24 June - 5 July
You can also meet the winners on Saturday, 4 July, and Sunday, 5 July.
Here's a look at the other youth-owned businesses on the 2026 Woolworths Youth Makers list.
Baliwe Sibisi (UBaliwe)
A handcrafted ceramics brand creating soulful, functional pieces inspired by African heritage, storytelling, and purpose.
Patrick Ferguson (Patrick Ferguson Designs)
A couture-led fashion studio creating timeless, sustainable garments rooted in African craftsmanship and intentional design.
Buhle Ramalepa (Patns by Buhle)
An African-inspired art and pattern design offering transforming everyday items into bold, functional statement pieces.
Thembeka Dube (KwaDube Essentials)
A home décor and fragrance label, specialising in luxury home scents and handcrafted accessories.
Phiwe Mareka (Hide and Suede)
A self-taught leather artisan creating handmade bags, wallets, personalised gifts, and leather home accessories.
Nthato Motlana (Marapyane Farms)
A youth-owned agricultural business producing and packaging fresh vegetables for local markets.
Lethabo Mokoena (Walk Fresh)
South Africa’s pioneering sneaker care service offering premium cleaning solutions and locally made care products.
Kuhle Phumzile Zondo (E_mania)
A sustainable fashion and production brand empowering emerging African creatives through design, manufacturing, and shared studio services.
Victoria Ongansie (Victori)
A luxury African streetwear collection blending fashion, identity, and storytelling through bold, conscious design.
Andile Sasanti (Well N Well)
A wellness-focused food label producing unsweetened, plant-based cultured almond milk using indigenous superfoods.
Nonhle Matsebula (Girl Boss Africa)
A beauty and empowerment venture creating natural hair and skincare products for young African girls while promoting confidence and mentorship.
Nadia Jacobs (Noac)
A women’s wear brand creating romantic, timeless and trendy pieces focused on individuality and self-expression.
Refilwe Xaba (Glolooks Kiddies)
A natural children’s haircare range offering gentle, nourishing products tailored for textured and afro hair.
Keamogetswe Matsho (Maru Maphiri Group)
An education and publishing company using storytelling to teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills to children.
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Image credit: Woolworths