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Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has welcomed President Ramaphosa’s appointment of the new National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board. The appointment, made in terms of section 9(1)(a) of the NYDA Act of 2008, will see the new board take office on 1 August 2025 for a three-year term.
The new Board comprises:Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende (Chairperson), Mr Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya (Deputy Chairperson), Ms Kelly Sandra Baloyi, Ms Thembisile Precious Mahuwa, Mr Sibusiso Makhathini, Dr Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha, Ms Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo
Minister Chikunga congratulated the newly appointed members, describing them as a diverse and capable team tasked with unlocking the potential of over 20 million young South Africans. “We look forward to working closely with the Board to champion youth interests and translate commitment into opportunity,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Interim Board, whose term ends on 31 July 2025, acknowledging their role in reinforcing the agency’s institutional capacity. The outgoing members are Ms Asanda Luwaca (Chairperson), Ms Karabo Mohale (Deputy Chairperson), Mr Avela Mjajubana, Ms Lebo Mulaisi, Mr Thulisa Ndlela, Ms Pearl Pillay, and Ms Alexandria Procter.
The Minister emphasised the urgency of youth development in a country where one in three citizens is between 15 and 34 years old, many of whom face unemployment and limited opportunities. She called for collaboration across government, business, labour, civil society, and youth themselves, stating, “Youth development is a national imperative. Together, let us turn promise into participation—and participation into shared prosperity.”
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