Executive Chairperson
Dr Myende holds a PhD Doctor in Criminology and Forensic Studies from the University of Zululand, where her research focused on applying restorative justice mechanisms to address school-based violence in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.  

Her doctoral and master’s research both centre youth as primary agents in reshaping violent school environments, underscoring her lifelong commitment to building safer, more just educational spaces. Her academic expertise extends to industrial psychology and public management, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of the structural and psychosocial issues affecting young people in South Africa.  

Dr. Myende is currently pursuing another Master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of the Witwatersrand, with a research focus on youth development. This reflects her ongoing commitment to strengthening the capacity of the state to respond effectively to the needs and aspirations of young people, particularly through transformative and people-centred policy-making.

Dr. Myende’s activism was shaped during her formative years in student politics, where she fought for access, equity, and transformation within higher education institutions. She has remained firmly embedded in progressive youth and women’s structures, where she has played an active role in championing the development, representation, and protection of young women.

Her work in this space has deepened her understanding of the structural and systemic challenges that continue to face young women in post-apartheid South Africa particularly those in rural areas and historically marginalised communities. She brings an activist-informed perspective into her leadership role at the NYDA, where she is committed to ensuring that the Agency's programmes and interventions align with the broader goals of national transformation, gender equality, and youth empowerment.

Dr. Myende previously served as Special Programmes Specialist and Administrator in the Office of the Executive Deputy Chairperson. In these positions, she played a vital role in coordinating national programmes, fostering community partnerships, and advising on youth policy matters. Her return to the Agency as Chairperson reflects her continued belief in the NYDA as a transformative agency for South Africa’s youth. Her time in these roles and subsequent administrative positions within the Executive Deputy Chairperson’s Office at NYDA laid the foundation for her nuanced understanding of the Agency’s mandate, operations, and the broader policy environment.

Dr. Myende has held strategic roles in government, including Assistant Director in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development and Deputy Director for Community Outreach at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, where she led executive coordination, policy review, and public engagement to improve access to services and strengthen government responsiveness. . 

A passionate educator, Dr. Myende has tutored and mentored first-year students at both the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Zululand. Her work in academia included assisting students with academic writing, research methodologies, and foundational criminology, empowering them with the skills to succeed in higher education and beyond. This hands-on work aligns with her vision of education as a powerful tool for social mobility and youth empowerment.  

Dr. Myende’s commitment to research and public scholarship is evident in her published work, which includes studies on school violence, intergenerational trauma, and the gendered impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic. She is a proud member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and has represented South Africa in international academic forums.  

As Chairperson of the NYDA, Dr. Myende brings visionary leadership grounded in evidence-based policy, inclusive development, and a grassroots understanding of the structural challenges faced by young people in both urban and rural contexts. Her mission is clear: to build a generation of empowered, educated, and resilient youth who are equipped to lead and transform their communities.