24 July 2025

The African National Congress (ANC) Study Group on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in the National Assembly welcomes the appointment of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board by His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed board members, dynamic young South Africans who have demonstrated through their experience and commitment a resolute passion for youth development.

We also acknowledge and appreciate the President for applying his mind to the recommendations submitted by the National Assembly, following a robust and transparent selection process led by the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. We commend the deliberate effort to ensure that the newly appointed NYDA Board reflects the rich diversity of South Africa.

The inclusion of young people from different geographical locations, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, and abilities promotes inclusivity and fosters a sense of belonging. This diversity ensures that the agency’s leadership reflects the lived realities of the youth it seeks to serve, allowing all young people to see themselves identified, represented, and empowered. The agency, under the guidance of its newly appointed board, is entrusted with the responsibility of advancing the economic, social, and digital inclusion of all young people across South Africa.

In line with the ethos of the National Youth Development Agency, we reaffirm that no young person shall be left behind in accessing opportunities for empowerment, innovation, and active citizenship. This is a commitment not just in principle, but in action through inclusive programming, responsive leadership, and targeted interventions that reflect the urgent needs of our youth. This appointment represents a significant milestone in our collective effort to accelerate youth empowerment and ensure meaningful participation of young people in shaping the country’s developmental agenda. At a time when South Africa continues to grapple with the socio-economic challenges of youth unemployment, the establishment of a competent and visionary NYDA Board is both timely and necessary.

The ANC has, since the dawn of democracy, remained committed to transforming the lives of young people through progressive legislation and policy interventions. We are confident that this board will serve as a catalyst in advancing innovative, inclusive, and sustainable youth development programmes. We urge the board to leverage the evolving digital economy, prioritise technological innovation, and align its programmes to equip young people with critical 21st-century skills required by the modern labour market.

We also take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the outgoing board for their unwavering service and contribution to the NYDA’s mandate. Their collaborative approach with the Portfolio Committee enhanced institutional oversight, governance, and the delivery of impactful youth-focused interventions. We wish them well in their future endeavours and trust that they will continue to contribute to national development wherever they are called to serve.

The ANC Study Group reaffirms its full support to the newly appointed board and commits to executing its parliamentary oversight responsibility to ensure accountability, transparency, and performance. We are confident that the new leadership will uphold the mandate of the NYDA and continue to transform the lives of South African youth. Once again, congratulations to all appointees. We look forward to your leadership in building a capable, responsive, and youth-centred institution.

Issued by the Whip of the ANC Study Group on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Cde Tshehofatso Meagan Chauke-Adonis

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