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President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially appointed a new Board of Directors for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), setting a clear course for the next phase of youth empowerment in South Africa. The appointments, made in accordance with Section 9(1)(a) of the NYDA Act of 2008, will take effect on August 1, 2025, and continue for a three-year term.
### Strengthening the Institutional Backbone of Youth Development
The NYDA serves as a critical public entity responsible for coordinating, mainstreaming, and overseeing youth development interventions across national, provincial, and local levels. Its role is to align state efforts toward addressing challenges faced by South Africa’s young population.
According to the Presidency, this new board will ensure that the NYDA remains “a key driver of socio-economic transformation and inclusive youth participation.”
### Meet the Newly Appointed Board Members
The incoming board members bring diverse backgrounds with experience in education, civil society, public administration, and youth advocacy. Their combined expertise is expected to enhance the agency’s capacity to execute impactful, grassroots-driven programs. The appointed members are:
– **Kelly Sandra Baloyi**
– **Thembisile Precious Mahuwa**
– **Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya**
– **Sibusiso Makhathini**
– **Dr Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha**
– **Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende**
– **Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo**
Each of these individuals brings unique insights into issues affecting youth, including unemployment, entrepreneurship, education, and civic participation.
### Leadership at the Helm
In terms of Section 9(5)(a) of the NYDA Act, President Ramaphosa has designated Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende as the Chairperson of the Board. Dr Myende is recognized for her strategic leadership in education development and community capacity building.
Mr Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya will serve as the Deputy Chairperson. Known for his activism and policy engagement in youth affairs, Mr Makhanya’s inclusion is anticipated to foster stronger stakeholder collaboration and accountability mechanisms.
### A Strategic Vision for the Future
President Ramaphosa expressed deep appreciation to the newly appointed board members for accepting the call to serve. “The President 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,” the statement concluded.
With more than 60% of South Africa’s population under the age of 35, the NYDA plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the nation’s demographic dividend is translated into sustainable development outcomes. The new leadership will be expected to drive programs aimed at job creation, digital skills acquisition, youth entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.
The appointments are seen as part of a broader government push to rejuvenate public institutions and ensure that youth-centered policies remain at the heart of the national agenda.
📚 Reading Comprehension Quiz
According to the passage, when will the new Board of Directors for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) take effect?
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