Executive Deputy Chairperson
Bonga Makhanya is the Executive Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency. His work in youth development spans institutional leadership and structural economic advocacy. At the University of the Witwatersrand, he led the Wits Asinamali Campaign, mobilising over R1 million to address student exclusion and expand access to higher education.  

He also serves as Executive Chairperson of the South African Youth Economic Council, where he advances the structural inclusion of young people into productive economic value chains, with a focus on ownership, industrial participation, and access to capital.  

Beyond advocacy, Makhanya is a seasoned businessman with proven acumen in mining, logistics, and commodity trading. Under his stewardship, Lotsha Investments has executed strategic investments that reflect both commercial discipline and a commitment to inclusive economic growth. This business experience complements his public leadership role, grounding his work in practical economic participation and investment strategy.  

He holds a BCom in Economic Sciences and a BCom Honours in Applied Development Economics from the University of the Witwatersrand and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Economics.