By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaposa has appointed a new National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board, in terms of Section 9(1)(a) of the NYDA Act of 2008.
The board is appointed for a three-year term and will begin on August 1, 2025.
The NYDA operates as a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at the national, provincial and local government levels.
In a statement, presidency said,” President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 9(1)(a) of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act of 2008, appointed members of the Board of the Agency for a period of three years, with effect from 1 August 2025.
The board will be led by Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende, and Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya as deputy.
The other members include Ms Kelly Sandra Baloyi; Ms Thembisile Precious Mahuwa; Mr Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya; Mr Sibusiso Makhathini; Dr Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha; Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende; and Mx Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo.
Ramaphosa added that he appreciates the willingness of the Board members to avail themselves for the national task of securing a promising future for the nation through the empowerment of young people.
More than a third of young South Africans are not in employment, education or training. This cohort of 3.4 million (37.1% of those aged 15–24) risks long-term joblessness. Discouragement – giving up looking for work – is also a risk, as the latest data show.