05 JANUARY 2021

MEDIA ADVISORY

TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS/REPORTERS/PRODUCERS/ANCHORS

NYDA EXECUTIVE CHAIRPERSON ENGAGES WITH THE YOUTH DURING AN OUTREACH PROGRAMME

Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Ms Asanda Luwaca together with the Executive Deputy Chairperson, Ms Karabo Mohale, will be engaged in youth development outreach programmes in Polokwane, Limpopo on the 6^th and 7^th January 2022.

These outreach programmes will provide an opportunity for the youth to engage first-hand with the Executive Chairperson as she is set to outline the vision of the newly appointed Board.

Part of the activities that the Executive Chairperson and Deputy Executive Chairperson will be participating in, include visiting two child-headed in the Masesha Village.  Details of the event are as follows:

Date:               ​Thursday, 06 January 2022

Time​​: ​              11h00

Venue​​:           Daring Creche, Masesha Village, Polokwane, Limpopo

The above event will be streamed live on NYDA Facebook Page (National Youth Development Agency).

In addition to the above, the NYDA will also be offering support at the event hosted by the municipality at Mankweng Community Hall.  Young people in Mankweng will receive important entrepreneurship and employment information from the various stakeholders that will be exhibiting.

These stakeholders will include NSFAS and SEDA who will engage young people on opportunities available to them.  This is part of the NYDA’s strategic approach to youth development to create more services, support and opportunities for all young people.

On Friday, 07 January 2022, both the Executive Chairperson and Deputy Executive Chairperson will visit Limpopo-based youth-owned enterprises that have been funded by the NYDA.

The NYDA’s decision to visit the province is based on its ongoing efforts to enable as many young people as possible to have access to its products and services. 

Media Enquiries and Media Confirmation to attend the event:

Bongekile Skosana

082 269 9246

President Ramaphosa appoints new board of the National Youth Development Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the new board of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in terms of Section 9 of the National Youth Development Agency Act 54 of 2008.

As required by the Act, the President has appointed seven board members from the 17 names recommended by the National Assembly.

The members of the new NYDA board are:

1. Ms Asanda Luwaca
2. Mr Avela Mjajubana
3. Ms Karabo Mohale
4. Ms Lebo Mulaisi
5. Mr Thulisa Ndlela
6. Ms Pearl Pillay
7. Ms Alexandria Procter

The President has designated Ms Asanda Luwaca as Chairperson and Ms Karabo Mohale as Deputy Chairperson of the NYDA Board. Ms Luwaca is the first female chairperson of the NYDA board, in line with the President’s commitment to advance women leadership at all levels.

President Ramaphosa said: “The new board of the National Youth Development Agency carries a great responsibility in the country’s drive to empower young people through skills development, employment, work experience and other opportunities.

“I see the NYDA as a vital partner in the implementation of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Intervention and ensuring that young people are prioritised as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus.

“The new board brings together a group of individuals with diverse expertise and experience in youth development. I have every confidence that they will ensure sound governance of  the agency, and will dedicate themselves to the critical task of building a better future for the youth of South Africa.”

The Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane – who is the executive authority for the NYDA – said: “I congratulate each and every one of the newly-appointed Board Members and look forward to working with them to contribute to lifting the NYDA to even better heights, improved service delivery and positive impact on the lives of young people.

“I am certain that this Board understands that they need to hit the ground running. The NYDA is a critical part of the South African youth development machinery in dealing with the issues facing the youth of our country.

“We look forward to tapping into their individual and collective skills, passions and intellect to contribute to making our country better.”

The members of the board, which must reflect the demographics and geographical spread of South Africa, are appointed for a term of three years.

Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

MEDIA STATEMENT

DATE: 29/10/2021

WOODMEAD, JOHANNESBURG

ATTENTION: CONTENT PRODUCERS/ JOURNALISTS/ DESK PRODUCERS/ NEWS EDITORS

STATEMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT INTERVENTION (PYEI)

South Africa faces a chronic youth unemployment challenge, with more than 65% of young people who enter the labour market remaining outside of employment, education, and training. The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) is a multi-sector action plan/ programme addressing South Africa’s chronic youth unemployment challenge and intends to significantly scale the activities of the National Youth Service (NYS), which was established in 1997.

The revitalised National Youth Service (NYS) programme, one of the components of the PYEI, will scale up opportunities for young people to contribute to the development of their community through providing specific services that meet priority needs. The initiative aims to unlock the agency of young people and provide opportunities for them to earn an income while contributing to nation building. Survey and Digital Mapping, Sports and Recreation, Art, Culture, Entertainment, Learner Support Programmes, Social Support Services, Solidarity and Care, Early Childhood Development, Food Security, Child Nutrition, Community Works, Revitalization and Greening Programmes are some of the key community service activities that will be supported through this programme

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is responsible for the National Youth Service component of the PYEI and invites Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) and Non-Profit Companies (NPC) to submit innovative proposals that, through the delivery of community service activities, provide earning and learning opportunities for young people.

At a minimum, NPOs/NPCs must meet eligibility criteria which include amongst others:

• Must demonstrate own capacity to engage at least 3,000 banked youth (for 6 months) in Community Service activities OR the ability to crowd in and manage a consortium of entities that can successfully assist in meeting the target.  Applicants are encouraged to collaborate and work together to meet the minimum qualifying requirements.
• Must have been registered with the relevant department (e.g. Department of Social Development) for at least 2 years. All requisite certificates and proof of registration will be required. Applicants must be in full compliance with administrative requirements (including Tax Compliance Status).
• Must have an existing budget for work with excluded young people & must have a track record of more than three years of technical experience in the area of interest.
• Must have the capacity to immediately upon successful application implement their intervention.

The Jobs Fund has been appointed as the Fund Manager for PYEI and has established the Presidential Youth Employment Fund (PYEF). All NPOs and NPCs must submit their applications for the National Youth Service electronically to the PYEF via the Jobs Fund website (www.jobsfund.org.za). Applications will be competitively assessed and, for this reason, no late applications will be accepted. The funding round will open on 29 October 2021 and close on 25 November 2021.

For more information on the National Youth Service, the application process, and the eligibility criteria, please visit the NYDA website www.nyda.gov.za or the Jobs Fund website www.jobsfund.org.za. For any further application queries, please contact the Jobs Fund directly on jobsfund@treasury.gov.za.

For media enquiries:

Ms. Bongekile Skosana

Cell: 082 269 9246

Email: Bongekile.Skosana@nyda.gov.za

Ms. Margaret Sikhweni

Cell: 064 8600 699

E-mail: Margaret.Sikhweni@nyda.gov.za

MEDIA STATEMENT: NYDA TABLES 2020 / 2021 ANNUAL REPORT 

The National Youth Development Agency is pleased to have tabled its Annual Report for 2020 / 2021 which indicates a 96% performance achievement against approved Key Performance Indicators and a seventh consecutive clean audit outcome from the Auditor General of South Africa.  

The 2020 / 2021 financial year was defined by the Covid-19 pandemic which saw the NYDA revenue plunge by R145 million due to the Covid-19 budget adjustments. The organisation required agility to respond to the challenges imposed by budget cuts and the pandemic.  

The Agency achieved 23 out of 24 planned targets for the financial year. achievement. Key highlights of the performance achievement include:

· Youth Micro Enterprise Relief Fund which supported 1 200 micro youth owned enterprises with grant funding during the pandemic. The Youth Micro Enterprise Relief Fund was developed and implemented at scale during the pandemic to keep youth owned enterprises alive and to protect jobs in these enterprises.

· Over 1 100 youth-owned enterprises in the township and rural economy provided with grant funding to start up their businesses through the NYDA Grant Program.

·  Despite the budget cuts, the NYDA grant program grew from R42 million to R60 million. This is indicative of young people who are keen to make their mark through entrepreneurship. 

·  The completion of the 1000 businesses in 100 days’ campaign as announced during the State of the Nation 2020 and completed on 12 August 2020, International Youth Day.

· The youth owned enterprises supported through the Youth Micro Enterprise Relief Fund and the NYDA Grant Funding program have collectively created and sustained 8 600 jobs in the economy.

· Coordination support provide to the development of the National Youth Policy 2030 and submission of the Integrated Youth Development Strategy.

· More than 6 000 young people placed in jobs through the NYDA JOBS program.

·  R88 million in additional value of funds sourced from the public and private sectors.

The NYDA also incurred no irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure during the 2020 / 2021 financial year. This reaffirms the NYDA commitment to clean and good governance.

This statement comes against the backdrop of the serious economic and social challenges faced by the country and fiercely compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic. Young people disproportionately bear the pain of these economic and social challenges. Youth unemployment, remains one of the foremost challenges that a democratic South Africa faces. The NYDA remains fully committed to the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention announced in SONA 2020 and which now forms part of the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan to meaningfully address the youth unemployment challenge. Equally the NYDA continues to work to coordinate the goals of the National Youth Policy 2030 to achieve access and socio-economic development for young people. With a recovering and growing revenue base, strong partnerships model and supportive structures within and outside of government, the NYDA remains resolute in tackling the challenges in youth development.

Management of the NYDA expresses its appreciation to the third Board of Directors, Audit Committee, Executive Authority, Hon. Minister Maite Nkona-Mashabane, Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, Persons with Disabilities and all employees for their efforts, oversight and support in achieving another clean audit outcome.

The NYDA Annual Report is available for download at: https://bit.ly/3jwjQ5q

For media enquiries:

Ms. Bongekile Skosana

Cell: 082 269 9246

Email: Bongekile.Skosana@nyda.gov.za

Ms. Margaret Sikhweni

Cell: 064 8600 699

E-mail: Margaret.Sikhweni@nyda.gov.za

Issued by the Department of Women, Youth & Persons with Disabilities

Attention: Journalists and News Editors

Pretoria, 26 August 2021

SOUTH AFRICA PARTICIPATES AT IBSA SUMMIT AND BRICS YOUTH SUMMIT

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) will participate at the inaugural IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) Youth Summit from 26-28 August 2021, as well as the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Youth Summit from 29-31 August 2021. Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will lead the DWYPD delegation.

The department is proud to participate in both summits at a time when global collaboration, information sharing and inter-governmental support and policy alignment can ensure faster recovery from the retardation of global economies, as well as improved healthcare response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both areas have had a devastating impact on youth globally, resulting in uncertain futures, mental strain as a result of drastically reduced opportunities for work, as well as opportunities to study further. 

The recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the period Quarter 2: 2021, released by Stats SA, shows that youth aged 15-24 years and 25-34 years recorded the highest unemployment rates of  64,4% and 42,9% respectively. This is not only a South African trend, but a global one. Therefore, participation at the IBSA Youth Summit and BRICS Youth Summit will allow for robust engagement on these challenges facing youth, as well as collaboration and information sharing on best practises to ensure greater uptake of youth into the economically active citizenry. 

Globally, youth face similar challenges, however, complex socio-economic backgrounds against different social environments often means that youth feel alienated and alone in dealing with these challenges. 

IBSA is a unique forum which brings together India, Brazil and South Africa, three large democracies and major economies from three different continents, facing similar challenges. All three partners are developing, pluralistic, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious nations. IBSA is a purely South-South grouping of like-minded countries, committed to inclusive sustainable development, in pursuit of the well-being for their peoples and those of the developing world. The IBSA Summit is being hosted by India. 

The first IBSA Summit will look at: 

• Youth in Governance in the IBSA Region  

• Youth Development Programmes in IBSA Region

• Youth Development Index

• Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Youth in IBSA Countries

The department’s delegation will comprise of representatives from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Youth in Business South Africa, South African Youth Council, South African Union of Students, Disabled Youth South Africa, and Young Women’s Desk. 

South Africa is committed to implement policies to improve the lives and conditions of our youth. To this end, government has approved the National Youth Policy (NYP) for the period 2020 to 2030, which is a blue print for the achievement of development for young people.

This Policy is a commitment by all to ensure development of our youth. It will guide the key players in the youth development space on the key interventions to be prioritised, namely:

1. Quality Education, Skills and Second Chances;

2. Economic Transformation, Entrepreneurship & Job Creation;

3. Physical and Mental Health Promotion;

4. Social Cohesion and Nation Building; and 

5. Effective and Responsive Youth Development Machinery.

The National Youth Development Agency is also developing an Integrated Youth Development Strategy to give effect to implementation of the policy.

South Africa will also participate at the BRICS Youth Summit. The theme for this year’s Summit is: BRICS: Youth as a Bridge for Peace and Friendship.

The four BRICS original members are within the world´s top fifteen economies and South Africa is the second-largest economy in Africa. They span four continents and, as of 2018, account for about 41.5% of the world’s population (roughly 3.2 billion people), about 25,7% of the world’s land area and 23,6 % of the world´s GDP (almost 20 trillion dollars).

South Africa hosted the fifth BRICS Summit on 27 March 2013 in Durban, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Development, Integration and Industrialisation. In 2018, South Africa hosted the 4th BRICS Youth Summit which was held from 16 to 19 July 2017 in Limpopo.

On 31 August Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will participate in the BRICS Ministers responsible for youth Meeting. The official delegation to the meeting will be led by the Minister.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Mr Shalen Gajadhar (Director: Communications, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities) 060 979 4235

MEDIA STATEMENT

Issued by the National Youth Development Agency

Attention: Journalists and News Editors

Johannesburg, 26 July 2021

OPENING OF THE YOUTH ENTERPRISE REBUILDING FUND

The NYDA, considering the recent looting and violence has established the Youth Enterprise Rebuilding Fund to support Youth Owned Enterprises who have no form of insurance cover.

The Fund is specifically established to ensure that youth owned enterprises who are affected can return to business operation as soon as is practically possible. The Fund is reserved for youth owned businesses in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

The Fund will exist alongside other forms of government support to business and jobs in this challenging time. Details of the Fund are available on the NYDA website, www.nyda.gov.za.

The NYDA encourages all young people who may have been displaced from employment because of the recent violence to apply for support from the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Details can be found on https://www.ufiling.co.za/uif/ or through a Department of Employment and Labour Centre.

We welcome the reimplementation of monthly Social Relief Distress Grant and its extension to caregivers as well as the extension of the UIF TERS for sectors affected during Alert Level 4. These are important mechanisms in supporting young people and the economy during the pandemic.

The NYDA remains committed to supporting the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan which encompasses the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention which was announced in SONA 2020

and reaffirmed on Youth Day 2021. Addressing the youth unemployment crises remains front and centre of the economic recovery plan.’

ENDS

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Ms. Margaret Sikhweni (Communications, NYDA): 064 860 0699

Ms. Bongekile Skosana (NYDA Media Specialist): 082 269 9246

MEDIA ADVISORY

GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH YOUTH MONTH 2021

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and its agency, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will launch Youth Month 2021 on Tuesday, 1 June 2021 at 10:00.

The year 2021 marks 45 years since the June 16 student uprising of 1976.When June 16 was declared Youth Day in 1994, it was aimed at remembering those who died and suffered during this dark day, as well as to celebrate those who carry their legacy and principles of selflessness, determination and devotion that are necessary for success and growth for any society or nation.

The year 2021 further marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of liberation struggle heroine and human rights campaigner, Charlotte Mannya Maxeke. The theme of this year’s Youth Month is - “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: Growing youth employment for an inclusive and transformed society”

During the media launch, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and the National Youth Development Agency CEO, Mr. Waseem Carrim will unpack the theme and outline the Youth Month calendar of activities.

Due to the looming third wave of the global pandemic COVID-19, the 2021 Youth Month will be celebrated in a hybrid format. The launch will be streamed live on government social media platforms including for the benefit of all young people during this global pandemic of COVID-19.

Staff members may view the launch via live streaming on the South African Government social media channels on the links below:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA

Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA

RSVP: Madimetja Moleba (Department of Sport, Arts and Culture) on email: madimetjam@dsac.gov.za or call 066 301 4675

*Media Enquiries:*

Mr. Shalen Gajadhar (Department of Women, Youth and Persons  with Disabilities (060 979 4235)

Ms. Margaret Sikhweni (Communications, NYDA): 064 860 0699

Ms. Bongekile Skosana (NYDA Media Specialist): 060 978 6000

Issued by the GCIS on behalf of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

MEDIA ADVISORY

IPID LAUNCHES ITS FIRST LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME WITH THE NYDA

The Deputy Minister of South African Police Services, Mr Charlie Mathale, the Executive Director for Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Ms Jennifer Ntlatseng and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mr Waseem Carrim will brief the media during the launch of the first IPID workplace experiential placement programme.

This programme is aimed at providing employment opportunities for young people, workplace exposure, skills development, mentoring and coaching by experienced employees and ultimately acquire the NCV Level 4.

The details of the media briefing are as follows:

Date: Monday 03 May 2021
Time: 12:00 pm
Venue: Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria

Media Participation: Journalists may view the briefing via live streaming on the South African Government social media channels on the links below:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA

Enquiries:         

Ndileka Cola
IPID Spokesperson
Cell: 073 376 8758

Bongekile Skosana/Margaret Sikhweni
Specialist: PR & Media/NYDA Communications Manager
Cell: 060 978 6000/084 240 6229

Issued by GCIS on behalf of Independent Police Investigative Directorate

MEDIA ADVISORY

MINISTER DLAMINI ZUMA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NYDA WILL HOST A CONSULTATIVE SESSION (HACKATHON) WITH THE YOUTH ON BUILDING NEW DEMOCRATIC CITIES

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Waseem Carrim, will host a Youth Hackathon Consultative Session under the theme "#Building_Together".

The purpose of this hackathon is to solicit inputs and participation on the conceptualisation of new democratic cities that are reflective of spatial integration representative of the democratic dispensation demographics. To ensure inclusivity CoGTA has adopted the hackathon concept as vehicle to drive consultative stakeholder engagement sessions in keeping with principles of #Building_Together.

To build truly democratic cities we must engage all of society for collaboration and co-production particularly the youth as they constitute the future, said Minister Dlamini Zuma.

CoGTA as tasked with coordinating all of government through the District Development Model and the NYDA equally charged with the responsibility of Youth development, it is logical comprehensible for the two partners to co-champion the process of engaging all of society in the spirit of #Building_Together.

Details of the Youth Hackathon are as follows:

Date: Friday, 21st May 2021

Time: 14h00 for 14h30

Platform: Zoom (Meeting ID: 922 9437 2335 | Passcode: 405480)

Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3eXI8Dv

Media Participation: Journalists may view the Youth hackathon via live streaming on the South African Government and NYDA social media channels on the links below:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA

Twitter: http://twitter.com/NYDARSA Or http://twitter.com/GCISMedia

Media Enquiries:

Lungi Mtshali:

082 088 5060

#buildingtogether #inclusivecities #newcities #southafrica

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Department of Cooperatives Governance and Traditional Affairs

20 May 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA STATEMENT

UNDP AND NYDA LAUNCHES A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Johannesburg, 25 February 2021 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) have launched a partnership agreement which aims to intensify efforts to reduce youth unemployment. The two entities today signed a project document which is the basis of the partnership agreement and guides the collaboration to facilitate a youth development programme that will focus on creating sustainable opportunities for young people in South Africa. The signing ceremony took place at the NYDA offices in Woodmead.

“Youth unemployment in South Africa is one of the structural and development challenges that require approaches that put emphasis on development cooperation, collaborative networks, innovation,  scalability and sustainability. Investing in practical proposals on how best to recover from COVID-19 in a way that stimulates the economy, but at the same time, galvanizes the youth to identify and use the opportunities presented by this epidemic” said Dr Ayodele Odusola, Resident Representative of the UNDP South Africa during his address at the signing ceremony.

This youth employment and enterprise development programme is a long-term youth empowerment initiative which will contribute towards achieving the objectives of government’s Youth Enterprise Development Strategy (YEDS). The programme promotes and encourages innovation, to give greater impetus to youth driven job creation initiatives, as well as to support entrepreneurs with enterprising ideas that generate self-employment and/or employment. At the core of this approach is to give young people the freedom to design and develop solutions to their problems on a small-scale with an intention of scaling the efforts for a larger impact.

“Considering the youth unemployment rate the untapped potential of our youth, there is no doubt that accelerating entrepreneurship among young people will have a positive impact not only on the social plane of bringing equity in the economy, but also by raising the levels of the overall economic indicators of South Africa . The youth bulge forms a critical mass that can be harnessed to transform the growth and destiny of the country, while minimizing the potential risks that it offers” said Mr Waseem Carrim, Chief Executive Officer of NYDA.

With young women constituting almost half of the youth population, this initiative will be gender-responsive and consider opportunities, benefits, experiences, needs and concerns of both young women and girls. In addition to gender considerations, this work also reinforces working towards the achievement to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 on decent  work and economic growth; as well as SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals.

****

For more information, or media interviews please contact:

United Nations Development Programme, Bobby Shabangu: bobby.shabangu@undp.org  

National Youth Development Agency, Bongekile Skosana: bongekile.skosana@nyda.gov.za

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. www.za.undp.org.

#######

National Youth Development Agency (hereinafter referred to as “the NYDA”) is an institution established in terms of the National Youth Development Agency Act 54 of 2008 with the mandate to advance youth development through guidance and support to initiatives across sectors of society and spheres of government, embark on initiatives that seek to advance the economic development of young people and develop and coordinate the implementation of the Integrated Youth Development Plan and Strategy for the Republic. www.nyda.gov.za

ISSUED JOINTLY BY THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP) IN SOUTH AFRICA AND THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

MEDIA ADVISORY

MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TO HOST A WEBINAR IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVLOPMENT AGENCY (NYDA) ON COMMITMENTS MADE TO SMME AND COOPERATIVES IN THE 2020 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

The Minister for Small Business Development, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will host an implementation progress webinar in partnership with the NYDA. The purpose of this engagement is to provide the public with a detailed progress report of the 1000 SMMEs and Cooperatives that benefited from the programme that President Cyril Ramaphosa committed to support within the 100 days following the delivery of the 2020 State of Nations Address (SoNA).

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 09 February 2021

Time: 17:00

Platform: Zoom - Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://gcis.zoom.us/j/95980297304?pwd=OUtjVi90MlQzR1FFTnhyRmhWOWIzQT0

Passcode: 373591

The webinar will also be streamed live on the SA Government Facebook page, Twitter and YouTube channels on the links below.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA

Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA

Enquiries:

Moira Mogomotsi Department of Small Business Development

Contact: 082 749 1558

E-mail: Media@dsbd.gov.za  

Issued by the Department of Small Business Development

05 February 2021

MEDIA ADVISORY

Issued by the Department of Women, Youth & Persons with Disabilities

Attention: Journalists and News Editors

Pretoria, 11 January 2021 

PUBLIC INVITED TO COMMENT AND MAKE INPUTS ON THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AMENDMENT BILL

The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, wishes to inform the public that Cabinet approved the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Amendment Bill on 18 October 2020, as a discussion document to be further consulted. The Bill is available for public comment. 

The NYDA Amendment Bill, amends the NYDA Act, No. 54 of 2008, which is the founding legislation of the NYDA.  The amendments seek to strengthen the Agency’s operations; enhance governance; and promote visibility for access of the agency’s products and services. The mandate of the NYDA in relation to that of other key players within the youth development space is clarified. The amendments also seek to make the agency to be more focused, thus maximising the impact of its services.

All interested stakeholders, and in particular young people; youth-serving and youth-led organisations; community and faith-based organisations; government departments; municipalities; academics; business and civil society sector organisations, are invited to submit written inputs and comments.

The NYDA Amendment Bill is available for download from the government’s website. Comments and inputs can be emailed to NYDABill@women.gov.za or submitted in person at 36 Hamilton Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007 on or before 15 February 2021. Postal submissions can be sent to: The Director-General; Attention: Mr Emmanuel Kganakga; Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; Private Bag X931; Pretoria; 0001

The (NYDA) Amendment Bill is available for download here:

https://www.gov.za/documents/national-youth-development-agency-amendment-bill-14-oct-2020-0000

and here:

http://www.nyda.gov.za/latest-news

Ends

For interviews please contact Ms Mmabatho Ramompi 076 480 3513/ mmabatho.ramompi@women.gov.za

For further information please contact Mr Shalen Gajadhar on 060 979 4235

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MEDIA STATEMENT

ATTENTION: EDITORS/ JOURNALISTS/ PRODUCERS

NYDA ACHIEVES SIXTH CONSECUTIVE CLEAN AUDIT REPORT

The NYDA is pleased to announce a sixth consecutive clean audit report from the Auditor General of South Africa for the 2019 / 2020 financial year. The audit report reinforces the NYDA’s commitment to good governance.

The Agency also achieved 23 out of 24 planned targets for the financial year. This translates to a 96% performance achievement. Key highlights of the performance achievement include:

• Over 1 100 youth-owned enterprises in the township and rural economy provided with grant funding to start up their businesses through the NYDA Grant Program.

• These youth-owned enterprises have gone on to create and sustain more than 5 000 jobs.

• More than 14 000 young people placed in jobs through the NYDA JOBS program.

• The establishment of 15 new service delivery channels in mainly rural areas.

• 106 partnerships with civil society for the implementation of National Youth Service programs.

• R115 million in additional donor funding raised from the public and private sectors.

The NYDA also incurred irregular expenditure of R171 000 (0.03% of the total expenditure). An investigation indicated that an employee who was involved in the procurement process failed to declare a conflict of interest. The employee has been subjected to a disciplinary process and pleaded guilty to the charges. The employee has been suspended for three months without pay, docked salary of R150 000 and has been placed on a final written warning. No fruitless and wasteful expenditure was incurred during the 2019 / 2020 financial year.

This statement comes against the backdrop of the serious economic and social challenges faced by the country and fiercely compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic. Young people disproportionately bear the pain of these economic and social challenges. Youth unemployment, remains one of the foremost challenges that a democratic South Africa faces. We must therefore rally behind the economic recovery plan announced by government and ensure that young people are placed front and centre of the plan. Equally, we must address the systematic and structural challenges that have created South Africa’s unemployment challenge and continues to perpetuate poverty and inequality.

Management of the NYDA expresses its appreciation to the third Board of Directors, Audit Committee, Executive Authority, Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, Persons with Disabilities and all employees for their efforts, oversight and support in achieving another clean audit outcome.

For enquiries, please contact:

Ms Bongekile Skosana

Specialist Media Liaison and Public Relations

Contact: 060 978 6000

Issued by Ministry of Women, Youth & Persons with Disabilities

Attention: Producers and News Editors

Pretoria: 10 July 2020

MINISTER MAITE NKOANA-MASHABANE TO LAUNCH THE NATIONAL YOUTH RESILIENCE INITIATIVE UNDER THE THEME: STRENGTHENING YOUTH RESILIENCE TO BUILD A CAPABLE SOUTH AFRICA: COVID-19 AND BEYOND

The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), supported by the German Development Cooperation recognize the serious and adverse socio-economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on young people and the urgent need for interventions to support them in coping with these effects. The partners are collaborating to support and promote the psychosocial well-being and resilience of youth in South Africa through what is proposed as a National Youth Resilience Initiative (NYRI).

The objectives of the National Youth Resilience Initiative are to highlight the issue of the psychosocial well-being and resilience of young people during and in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and to facilitate access to quality, evidence-based psychosocial support programmes and services (including, for example, life skills programmes, counselling, leadership development programmes, active citizenship and volunteering programmes).The Initiative is intended to be a multi-stakeholder collaboration, supported by government, civil society and youth from diverse backgrounds who will share their stories of resilience.

The first activity of the NYRI is an interactive online National Dialogue on Youth which will unpack the meaning of youth resilience in South Africa and the factors that shape young people’s resilience. The platform will catalyse various post-dialogue youth resilience campaign activities. Youth resilience is not an issue that is unique to the Covid-19 pandemic. The dialogue places the concept of youth resilience in the context of the pandemic but the contextual framework and lens of the concept of youth resilience will expand in the activities that will take place after the dialogue.

The dialogue takes places as follows:

Date: 13 July 2020

Time: 10:00-12:00

Virtual Conference: Zoom

Online Stream/Interaction: NYDA Facebook Live; DWYPD Facebook live, Agape Youth Movement Facebook live

ENDS

Media Enquiries:

Ms Mmabatho Ramompi 076 480 3513 / mmabatho.ramompi@women.gov.za or Mr Pelane Mabula-Phakgadi on 072 169 2507 or Pelane.Mabula@women.gov.za

Mr Shalen Gajadhar (Director: Communications, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities)

060 979 4235 / shalen.gajadhar@women.gov.za

Know and Share these contact details:

GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 / *120*7867# from any cell phone

Persons with disabilities, SMS ‘help’ to 31531

Women Abuse Helpline: 0800 150 150

Child line: 0800 055 555

SAPS Crime Stop: 0860 10111

GBVF-related service complaints (SAPS): 0800 333 177/

complaintsnodalpoint@saps.gov.za

National AIDS Helpline: 0800 012 322

National Human Trafficking Helpline: 0800 222 777

Suicide Helpline: 0800 567 567

National Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.za 

National Institute of Communicable Diseases: https://www.nicd.ac.za 

World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int 

Coronavirus Hotline: 0800 029 999

Twitter: @DWYPD_ZA

Instagram: @dwypdza

Facebook: @dwypdza

Website: www.women.gov.za 

MEDIA ADVISORY

TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS/REPORTERS/PRODUCERS/ANCHORS

15 JUNE 2020

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE HOSTS YOUTH DAY VIRTUAL COMMEMORATION

The National Youth Development Agency in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host a Youth Day Virtual Commemoration under the theme: Youth Power: Growing South Africa together in a period of COVID-19.

The virtual commemoration includes an interactive panel discussion between President Cyril Ramaphosa and four (4) influential young people who are making waves as young entrepreneurs.

1. Jabulile Gwala: CEO and Founder of Siko Republik

2. Mo’s Crib founders and NYDA beneficiaries: Morongwe and Michelle Mokone

3. Ndumiso Hadebe: Economist and Businesses Strategist

4. Khanyisile Mlanzana: Beneficiary of Harambee’s Youth Solving Youth Issues

Programme, entrepreneur and innovator

This interactive session will be facilitated by global moderator and

communication strategist, Nozipho Tshabalala. President Cyril Ramaphosa will also deliver the 16 June address.

The Youth Day Virtual Commemoration will stream on SABC, eNCA, Newzroom Afrika, government and NYDA social media platforms from 12h00. Media houses will be provided with a link upon request.

For media enquiries:

Ms. Bongekile Skosana

Specialist Media Liaison and Public Relations

Contact: 060 978 6000

Ms. Refilwe Lekgothoane

Media Liaison Officer

Contact: 060 967 0483

Twitter: @NYDARSA, @SportArtsCultur

Instagram: @nyda_insta, @SportArtsCultureRSA

Facebook: National Youth Development Agency, SportArtsCultureRSA

Issued by the National Youth Development Agency

MEDIA ADVISORY

TO ALL NEWS EDITORS/MEDIA

16 JUNE 2020

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ENGAGES WITH THE YOUTH DURING VIRTUAL YOUTH DAY COMMEMORATION

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, 16 June 2020, participate in an interactive panel session with young people as part of the virtual Youth Day commemorations.

This Youth Month is marked during Alert Level 3 of the national lockdown to contain  the spread of coronavirus.  As such, Government has prohibited mass gatherings including the mass celebrations/commemorations of national days.

This year’s Youth Month coincides with the 30th Anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela and takes place under the theme: “Youth Power; Growing South Africa Together in the Period of Covid-19.”

The interactive session provides an opportunity for the youth to engage first-hand with the President on various issues affecting them and also how they contribute and/or play an active role in a youth-led social and economic recovery of South Africa.

The virtual commemoration includes President’s panel discussion with four young people from different sectors made up of Jabulile Gwala: CEO and Founder of Siko Republik; Mo’s Crib founders and NYDA beneficiaries: Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, Economist and  Businesses Strategist, Ndumiso Hadebe and Khanyisile Mlanzana: Beneficiary of Harambee’s Youth Solving Youth Issues Programme, entrepreneur and innovator.

The session will be facilitated by global moderator and communication strategist, Ms Nozipho Tshabalala.

President Ramaphosa will also deliver a keynote address as part of the commemorations.

The Youth Day Virtual Commemoration will be broadcast live on television and radio and live streamed on a range of online platforms from 12h00.  Media houses will be provided with a link upon request through the National Youth Development Agency. 

PUBLIC QUERIES: Presidential Hotline 17737

COVID19 QUERIES: NICD Hotline 0800 0029 999

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President at media@presidency.gov.za 

ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

MEDIA ADVISORY

TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS/REPORTERS/PRODUCERS/ANCHORS

04 JUNE 2020

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY CALL FOR TRAILBLAZERS

The National Youth Development Agency is calling for young people who are the trailblazers of 2020 to be nominated for its Youth Month Trailblazers campaign. This Youth Month the country commemorates 44 years since the June 16 uprising and 30 years since the release of Former President Nelson Mandela from the Victor Vester prison.

In this light, we pick up the baton of the generation of 1976 and Former President Mandela by celebrating those who share in their vision of making a difference in their communities. The Trailblazers Campaign 2020 aims to showcase, celebrate and profile ordinary young people who are doing extraordinary work.

National Youth Development Agency CEO, Mr Waseem Carrim said “This is an exciting venture by the NYDA in line with our theme Youth Power: Growing South Africa together in a period of COVID-19, to celebrate young people who are making a difference in their communities. The aim is to appreciate and show case the work done by the youth during these trying times. Trailblazers are pioneers, innovators and lifelong learners who will help create a better world”

Mr Carrim, added “…with the world and country dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that there are those young people, in spite of their challenges who are going above and beyond. We want to know their stories. We want to recognise them. We want to tell their stories to the world.”

Our country’s young trailblazers boast a participant base comprising of those who are rising above their challenges to succeed in areas including but not limited to: Academia, Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology and Innovation and Leadership development and Design thinking.

Trailblazers Campaign 2020 continues to urge young people to emulate them and ensure that South Africa produces more and more skills that are needed by the economy and to also skills that enrich our culture and heritage.

Nominations for the 2020 Trailblazers must be sent to Trailblazers@nyda.gov.za on or before the 10th of June 2020.

The nomination form, available on www.nyda.gov.za must be accompanied by a profile and evidence of work (in the form of pictures) done by the nominated young person. Please supply their contact details.

For Media Enquiries:

Ms. Bongekile Skosana

Specialist Media Liaison and Public Relations

Contact: 060 978 6000

Ms. Refilwe Lekgothoane

Media Liaison Officer

Contact: 060 967 0483

Twitter: @NYDARSA

Instagram: @nyda_insta

Facebook: National Youth Development Agency

MEDIA ADVISORY

TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS/REPORTERS/PRODUCERS/ANCHORS 29 MAY 2020

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY HOST VIRTUAL LAUNCH OF YOUTH MONTH 2020

On 1 June 2020, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and its agency, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host the virtual launch of Youth Month. This year and for the first time, the Youth Month will not be celebrated with youth gathered together in large numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in the National Days being commemorated virtually. The year 2020 marks 44 years since the June 16 uprising that saw a shift in the country’s youth activism and power. The year 2020 also marks 30 years since the release of Former President Nelson Mandela.

During this youth month, we must call on the spirit of the generation of 1976 to rally us through this challenging period for our country, our continent and the world. Youth Month 2020 will be celebrated virtually under the theme “Youth Power: Growing South Africa together in a period of COVID-19”.

The virtual launch of Youth Month 2020 will be live streamed on our social media platforms including Zoom and YouTube for the benefit of all young people during this global pandemic of COVID-19. National Youth Development Agency CEO, Mr. Waseem Carrim will during the virtual launch unveil the Youth Month calendar of activities. Key virtual activities will be broadcast through various platforms such as Social Media, Web-based seminars (Webinars), Virtual Masterclasses and harnessing the power of TV and Radio.

Members of the media are invited to follow the broadcast of the Youth Month virtual launch from 11am on Monday, 1 June 2020 on our social media pages:

Facebook,

Twitter

Instagram

For Media Enquiries:

Ms. Bongekile Skosana

Specialist Media Liaison Contact: 060 978 6000

Ms. Refilwe Lekgothoane

Media Liaison Officer Contact: 060 967 0483

Mr. Madimetja Moleba

Media Liaison Officer Contact: 066 301 4675

Issued by the National Youth Development Agency

MEDIA STATEMENT

20 APRIL 2020

ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS/PRODUCERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NYDA OPENS YOUTH MICRO ENTERPRISES RELIEF FUND (YMERF) 

Government has introduced a number of interventions aimed at assisting businesses in general, and Youth-Owned Enterprises in particular during the COVID-19 lockdown period. These interventions include the Debt Relief Fund and the SMME Support Intervention by the Department of Small Business Development. 

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has opened the Youth Micro Enterprises Relief Fund (YMERF) aimed at assisting youth enterprises who might not qualify for other funds. This fund will respond to challenges facing youth owned businesses such as inability to pay employees, lack of income, including  waiting periods for other funding mechanisms , etc. 

Funding will be capped at R 10 000 for every qualifying business. More details about the NYDA Youth Micro Enterprise Relief Fund are available on www.nyda.gov.za and on all NYDA social media platforms.  

Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Mr Sifiso Mtsweni has called on all stakeholders to work together during this period, and for youth to take advantage of the fund.

“The efforts by government to this end are indeed commendable, and require all stakeholders in youth development to cooperate and mitigate against negative economic impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic “ said Mtsweni 

Released by:

National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

Media Enquires:

Bongekile Skosana

Media Liaison Officer

060 978 6000

Lerato Gambu

Spokesperson

060 978 6000

MEDIA STATEMENT

24 MARCH 2020

ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS/PRODUCERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NYDA CALLS ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO OBSERVE GOVERNMENT’S INTERVENTIONS TO FIGHT THE SPREAD COVID-19

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) calls on young people to support government interventions as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Mr Sifiso Mtsweni says that “Young people have an opportunity to demonstrate the highest form of discipline and patriotism. We need to cooperate, assist our government and protect our communities by strict adherence to the interventions. “

In response to the announcement for the national lock down from the Thursday, 26th March 2020 at midnight until the 16 April 2020, the NYDA will be closing its operation from 26th of March 2020 at 13h00. However, applications received for the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative Programme in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development for 1000 enterprises funded in 100 days; will still be processed as received thus far. Further applications will only be received and processed after the lifting of the National lockdown and State of Disaster.

Young people are urged to adhere to measures which include a change in individual behaviour and hygiene:

- washing hands frequently with hand sanitisers or soap and water for at least 20 seconds;

- covering our nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow;

- avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

The NYDA understands the importance of building an entrepreneurial ecosystem and encouraging entrepreneurship as critical in the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality. In this context, we urge young entrepreneurs and to utilise all measures put in place by government   to ensure their enterprises survive during the national lock down.

We call on young people to utilise the Debt Relief Fund and the SMME Support Intervention by the Department of Small Business Development. The fund is accessible by enrolling through the SMME South Africa platform (www.smmesa.gov.za).

“Our actions as the youth during this period will contribute immensely in fighting the spread of COVID-19. Let us exercise the greatest caution and stay at home and ensure that we avoid the spreading of fake news.”

“In protecting ourselves against the virus, we are duty bound to provide necessary care for the elderly and the vulnerable. We call on all of us to rise, unite and demonstrate our utmost commitment to the country and emerge victorious as a resilient nation that we are known to be” added Mtsweni.

Released by:

National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

Media Enquires:

Bongekile Skosana

Media Liaison Officer

060 978 6000

Lerato Gambu

Spokesperson

060 978 6000

MEDIA ADVISORY

TO ALL NEWS MEDIA/EDITORS

03 February 2020 

National Youth Development Agency expands reach in the Western Cape

Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mr. Sifiso Mtsweni will on Tuesday, 04 February 2020, officially launch the NYDA Garden Route District Office; and Karoo District Office on Wednesday, 05 February 2020.

The official launches follow the NYDA’s decision to expand its reach and enable access to its products and services. During the launch, young people in both districts will receive important information on entrepreneurship and employment opportunities from various stakeholders.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date​​: ​Tuesday, 04 February 2020

Time​​: ​09h00 am 

Venue​​: ​George Town Hall, George

Date ​​: ​Wednesday, 05 February 2020

Time​​: ​09h00 am

Venue​​: Youth Hub, Beaufort West

Members of the media interested in attending the event should RSVP to media@nyda.gov.za or call 060 978 6000.

Media Enquiries:

Bongekile Skosana

060 978 6000

Lerato Gambu

NYDA Spokesperson

Cell: 064 860 0716

Issued by the National Youth Development Agency

MEDIA STATEMENT

TO : ALL MEDIA/ NEWS EDITORS

DATE : TUESDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2020

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO ADDRESS PRE- SONA YOUTH DIALOGUE

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 12 February 2020, participate in a Pre-SoNA Youth dialogue hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the Western Cape.

The Youth dialogue is aimed at bringing young entrepreneurs, young people living with disabilities, youth formations and students, to discuss progress that the country has made thus far and their role in the growth South Africa.

The session will be facilitated by young people for young people, under the theme "Grow South Africa together".

President Ramaphosa's participation at the dialogue further provides a platform for young people to engage with government on efforts to grow South Africa together, with specific focus to youth employment.

Media is invited to cover the session as follows:

DATE: Wednesday, 12 February 2020

TIME: 13:00 for 15:00

VENUE: Roof Terrace, second floor, Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

Members of the media who intend to cover the event should send their details to Tsakane Khambane on 082 084 5566 or Bongekile Skosana on 060 978 6000 by no later than 20:00 on Tuesday, 11 February 2020.

Accreditation cards should be collected tomorrow, 12 February 2020 at Room 2.60, second floor, CTICC between 09:00 - 12:00

Media enquiries:

Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707

Issued by the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa

www.thepresidency.gov.za

MEDIA STATEMENT

15 OCTOBER 2019

ATTENTION: PRODUCERS/ JOURNALISTS/ REPORTERS/ NEWS EDITORS/ PROGRAMME EDITORS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NYDA wishes matric class of 2019 best of luck

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) wishes all learners who will be writing the 2019 National Senior Certificate (Matric) best of luck. Nearly 800 000 learners will sit for the final examinations across South Africa.

We are confident that our Back to School Campaign and NYDA Goes Rural Programme which targeted schools in rural areas providing necessary interventions and study materials will aid efforts by various stakeholders to increase our national pass rate to over 80%.

Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Mr Sifiso Mtsweni has expressed confidence in the matric class of 2019 after a successful programme held in Limpopo last week wherein five schools in the Blouberg Local Municipality received study guides from the NYDA ahead of the final examinations. During the event learners also had the opportunity to apply for NSFAS on-site.

The continued partnership between the NYDA and NSFAS; and Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu Scholarship Fund (SKMSF) will serve as a great motivation and guarantor to learners to access higher education institutions.

NYDA begun these interventions in various provinces such as the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape .

“Learners should prepare accordingly for the last hurdle towards post schooling life and be ready for a better future. We encourage learners to put their best foot forward and focus on their examinations” said Mtsweni.

Media Enquires

Bongekile Skosana

060 978 6000

Lerato Gambu

NYDA Spokesperson

064 860 0716

MEDIA ADVISORY

TO ALL MEDIA /NEWS EDITORS

19 SEPTEMBER 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY HOSTS MEMORIAL SERVICE OF LATE EXECUTIVE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON, BAVELILE HLONGWA

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) will tomorrow , 20 September 2019 honor the life and times of late Executive Deputy Chairperson, Ms Bavelile Hlongwa during a memorial service.

Deputy Chairperson Bavelile Hlongwa formed a great part of our organization and led with great distinction. It is only befitting for the NYDA to pay tribute to this larger than life and selfless cadre of youth development.

Ms. Hlongwa will be sorely missed by all at the Agency, and her spirit will forever echo whenever the we speak of game changers in the youth development space.

We invite the public to join us as we remember this passionate administrator and champion in our line of work.

Details of the memorial service as follows:

Date: 20 September 2019

Venue: NYDA Head Office, 54 Maxwell Drive, Woodmead North Office Park, Woodmead

Time: 12h00

Enquiries

Bongekile Skosana

060 978 6000

Media@nyda.gov.za

Lerato Gambu

NYDA Spokesperson

Cell: 064 860 0716

Issued by the National Youth Development Agency

MEDIA STATEMENT

11 SEPT 2019

ATTENTION: PRODUCERS/ JOURNALISTS/ REPORTERS/ NEWS EDITORS/ PROGRAMME EDITORS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOLLOWING MEETING WITH THE PAN AFRICAN YOUTH UNION, SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH COUNCIL AND THE AFRICAN DIASPORA FORUM AMIDST RECENT ATTACKS ON FOREIGN NATIONALS

The Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mr. Sifiso Mtsweni has today, 11 September 2019 met the leadership of the South African Youth Council (SAYC), Pan African Youth Union (PYU) and the African Diaspora Forum. Meeting followed recent violent attacks on foreign nationals across South Africa with the aim of finding a youthful voice and deliberate solutions on the impasse.

The NYDA is a primary institution responsible for youth development affairs in South Africa and has a mammoth task of implementing amongst others the National Youth Policy (2020) which finds its existence within the African Youth Charter (2006). Thus, in executing it mandate the agency is empowered by the NYDA Act 54 0f 2008 to carry our any investigations that it deems necessary.

Mr. Mtsweni reiterated the position of government that “South Africa is not a xenophobic nation”. In his opening remarks maintained that “social upheavals are because of societal-ills leading to inequality, unemployment and poverty, but in no way a justification of escalating violence against foreign nationals”.

Acting Secretary General of PYU, Mr. said that, “State institutions in Africa should address acts of criminality by way of law and not a spontaneous reaction resulting from actions by civilians. Crime has no nationality”.

“The African Diaspora will in partnership with relevant stakeholders continue to initiate dialogues and youth-focused programmes aimed at assisting the social-cohesion project across Africa”.

SAYC President, Mr Josopu urged “South Africans to maintain a high-morale standard and deal with the phenomenon of South African exceptionalism and negative treatment towards foreign nationals”.

The meeting resolved on developing a programme of action to swiftly address issues that continuously affect South Africans and foreign nationals.

“Young people are the most users of social media and therefore susceptible to sharing fake news. We call on all young people to be responsible distributors of helpful information, they must at all times verify information they receive before circulating” added Mtsweni.

Media Enquiries

Bongekile Skosana

060 978 6000

Lerato Gambu

NYDA Spokesperson

064 860 0716

MEDIA STATEMENT

TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS

14 SEPTEMBER 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY MOURNS SUDDEN PASSING OF DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINERAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY, ERSTWHILE EXECUTIVE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has learned with great sadness the sudden passing of the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, and it’s erstwhile Executive Deputy Chairperson, Ms Bavelile Hlongwa.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and comrades of her beloved organization. The agency also sends sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the horrific accident.

Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Mr Sifiso Mtsweni has described late Ms Hlongwa as as “fearless martyr and champion for youth development across all sectors of society”.

“She took to heart all issues of injustice against women and children and fought relentlessly against economic exclusion of young people. A girl-child had a true representative in her ”.

During her tenure as Executive Deputy Chairperson of the NYDA, Ms Hlongwa lead outreach initiatives focused on access to higher education for learners in marginalized areas and maintained an activist posture of the board by assisting child-headed households.

Ms Hlongwa’s commitment to the generational agenda and demand for young people to occupy all positions of authority and responsibility within the public and private sector remains our clarion call.

“In death, she remains a hero and a voice for the voiceless young people in the rural parts of our country; an Internationalist who dared fly the South African flag highest amongst her peers; lala ngoxolo BV, Mntwana !” said Mtsweni.

Media Enquiries:

Bongekile Skosana

Cell: 060 978 6000

Lerato Gambu

NYDA Spokesperson

Cell: 064 860 0716

MEDIA STATEMENT

TO ALL MEDIA /NEWS EDITORS

03 SEPTEMBER 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY DEMANDS URGENT ACTION AGAINST CONTINUED SENSELESS KILLINGS ON WOMEN AND CHILDREN

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is greatly angered with the continued barbaric acts of violence against women and children in South Africa. We are disgusted and condemn the behaviour by men who have declared themselves as enemies of women in our society.

These men have declared all corners of our country unsafe and a no-go area for women of this country.

The brutal killings of Uyinene Mrwetyana and Leighnade Jegels adds pain and fear amongst women and girl children in our society. Women across the country are asking if the they are next in line. These recent killings are just a tip of the iceberg and showcases how patriarchal values are deeply entrenched in our society.

It is now clear, that the most endangered species in humanity, is a woman.

The NYDA can no longer turn a blind eye to such gruesome acts in our society, as this is an ongoing phenomenon which continues to violently steal from the nation.

It can no longer be business as usual, all men must always protect women and provide safety against perpetrators wherever they rear their ugly heads.

The Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Mr Sifiso Mtsweni has called on government to rapidly introduce the National Youth Service Programme (NYSP), emphasizing that failure to urgently implement this programme creates less patriotic youth general and young men.

“We call on for an emergency intervention regarding the matter of Gender Based Violence in this country,” says Mr Mtsweni.

Mr Mtsweni further encourages that, “All men regardless of their social standing needs to be exemplary and stand against the killing of women and children. We are all responsible for the future of our country.”

“We demand government to increase its speed in finalising both the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and amending of the National Policy Framework in the Management of Sexual Offences. Our urgent task is to also push for a compulsory NYSP, which will help build patriotism amongst the youth creating a value system for our country, building unity and enabling social cohesion.”

Mr Mtsweni also calls for drastic measures to be taken specially by the judiciary of this country.

“We call for the introduction of specialised courts for gender based violence and a register of all men who have violated women. The South African Police ministry must make ascertain that there are systems in place to ensure that perpetrators face the strong might of the law.”

It is with sadness and utter disappointment to learn of such acts that have taken a hike during what was supposed to be a month of women being assured of their safety in society.

The NYDA extends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of Uyinene Mrwetyana, Leighnade Jegels and the countless brutally murdered women.

Media Enquiries:

Bongekile Skosana

(Specialist Media Liaison and Public Relations)

Cell: ‭060 978 6000‬‬‬‬

Lerato Gambu

(NYDA Spokesperson)

Cell: 064 860 0716

Issued by the National Youth Development Agency

MEDIA STATEMENT

TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS

07 AUGUST 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ACHIEVES 5TH CLEAN AUDIT AND ACHIEVES 100% ANNUAL PERFORMANCE TARGETS AND R0 ON UNAUTHORIZED AND WASTEFUL EXPENDITURE

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has achieved a fifth (5th) clean audit and 100% performance of its annual targets. The 5th clean audit outcome as declared by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) comes at a time the NYDA celebrates ten (10) years since establishment from a merger of Umsobomvu Youth Fund and the National Youth Commission.

“Achieving the 5th successive clean audit shows continued clean governance and a high-performance culture within the agency. Our Board of Directors committed to maintain this outlook unabated ensuring that all the resources are utilised for products and services aimed at improving the lives of young people” says NYDA Executive Chairperson, Sifiso Mtsweni.

A thousand one hundred and three (1103) youth-owned enterprises were supported through the NYDA Grant Programme, which shows an increase from a set target of eight hundred and forty (840) due to additional funding received from the Jobs Fund.

Notwithstanding challenges that confront businesses in general and SMMEs in particular, we also successfully ensured that 100% of legitimate service providers’ invoices were paid within the 30 days.

Chief Executive Officer , Mr Waseem Carrim indicated that the agency has spent the entire budget allocation with 70% of the budget going directly to projects and achieved our target of R0 in wasteful and unauthorized expenditure

The NYDA notes that these governance and performance achievements are against numerous multi layered and faceted challenges that young people face, principally youth unemployment

The NYDA working together with its social partners remains committed to the Medium Term Strategic Framework Plan to achieve the following targets:

- Funding and support of 100 000 youth entrepreneurs

- 1 million more young people placed in jobs over and above the current NDP target

- 250 000 youth enrolled in National Youth Service programs.

- A single coordinating body for youth development to oversee the coordination of youth development.

Recent statistics paint a grim picture, however there remains slight encouraging signs such as the overall increase of jobs and a movement of discouraged work seekers to active work searchers.

Only through a social compact of all sectors of society can our ambitious goals be achieved. The NYDA doors remain open to any individual or institution who is committed to giving young people the hand up they crave.

“The agency continues to expand its reach across South Africa adopting a model that allows launching of district service centres and opening full-service branches. We thank members of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Executive and Senior Management staff and all employees for reaching yet another milestone," added Mtsweni.

Released by:

THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NYDA)

Media Enquiries:

Bongekile Skosana

Cell: 060 978 6000

Lerato Gambu (NYDA Spokesperson)

Cell: 064 860 0716

#NYDAGoodToGreat #YearOfTheYouth

MEDIA ADVISORY

TO ALL NEWS MEDIA/EDITORS

June 12, 2019

LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY!

NYDA CALLS ON ALL THE YOUTH OF SOUTH AFRICA ACROSS ALL SECTORS TO JOIN IN SERVICE OF THEIR COMMUNITIES.

Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mr. Sifiso Mtsweni alongside Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Honorable Mr Nathi Mthethwa and Premier of Limpopo, Honorable Mr Stan Mathabatha will on Friday, 14 June 2019 launch the National Youth Service Day at Ntshitshane Village, Mankweng, Limpopo Province.

The National Youth Service Day as declared by the NYDA is implemented through its National Youth Service Programme (NYSP). The objectives of the day are to promote nation building, patriotism and social cohesion. Young people are urged to participate on this important day of action schedule to take place across eight provinces.

Date : Time : Venue :

NB: For details of NYS day events taking place across the country see attached poster.

Members of the media interested in attending the event should RSVP to media@nyda.gov.za or call 060 978 6000 by Thursday, 13 June 2019 before 12h00.

For Media Enquiries:

Ms.Bongekile Skosana Email: Media@nyda.gov.za Cell: 060 978 6000

Mr Lerato Gambu

Issued by the National Youth Development Agency

MEDIA STATEMENT

TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS

19 JUNE 2019

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ENGAGES YOUNG PEOPLE AT PRESIDENTIAL YOUTH DIALOGUE

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Wednesday, 19 June 2019 engage young people at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Presidential Youth Dialogue taking place at 120 Plein Street, Imbizo Media Centre, Ground Floor, Cape Town.

According to Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, Mr Sifiso Mtsweni “The Inaugural Presidential Youth Dialogue will provide a platform for young people to engage first hand with His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of his first State of the Nation Address taking place on 20th of June 2019 since the national general elections.

“Young people will have an opportunity to provide practical solutions to challenges confronting them including a high rate of unemployment. The dialogue will give practical steps to what the President termed the struggle of a new generation during his address on Youth Day that is “struggle for economic freedom, for access to land and also education”.

Approximately 200 participants, representing youth across various sectors and formations will convene under the theme “25 years of democracy - celebrating youth activism”. Expected panellists include Khaya Sithole, Anisa Mazimpaka (winner of One Day Leader Season 7).

The NYDA Presidential Youth Dialogue will start at 16:00 pm.

Media Enquiries

Bongekile Skosana

060 978 6000

Lerato Gambu

NYDA Spokesperson

064 860 0716

REMINDER :

MEDIA ADVISORY

TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS

31 MAY 2019

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY LAUNCHES YOUTH MONTH 2019

Twenty-five (25) years of democracy and freedom presents South Africa’s youth an opportunity to celebrate the role played by young people during the struggle for liberation.

Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mr Sifiso Mtsweni will on Tuesday, 04 June 2019 officially launch Youth Month at Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum in Soweto, Johannesburg. This year, Youth Month 2019 will be commemorated under the theme “25 Years of Democracy: A celebration of youth activism”.

Details of to the launch are as follows:

Date: 04 June 2019

Time: 11:00

Venue: Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum, Soweto

NB: Registration for media starts at 10h00am

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event by sending RSVP to media@nyda.gov.za , contact +27 060 978 6000 by Monday, 03 June 2019 before 17h00.

For Media Enquiries:

Mr Lerato Gambu

064 860 0716

Lerato.Gambu@nyda.gov.za

MEDIA STATEMENT

TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS

23 MAY 2019

STATEMENT OF THE OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOLLOWING ORDINARY BOARD MEETING

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) convened an ordinary Board meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2019, to receive quarterly reports which included Annual Financial and Performance Statements. The Board also discussed the state of readiness to host Youth Month 2019.

On the 6th Democratic Parliament

The NYDA congratulates President Cyril Ramaphosa on election as the 5th democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa. We take this opportunity to wish him well as he grows our country and move it forward.

More importantly, the NYDA takes this opportunity to congratulate over 45 Members of Parliament under the age of thirty-five (35) representing different political parties in the National Assembly. We also congratulate thirty (30) others across different provincial legislatures.

The 3rd NYDA Board of Directors took office two years ago and committed to champion the course for youth representation in all decision-making structures. We demanded 20% youth representation in Parliament, government and in the private sector. We called for a 40% youth quota at all companies as a direct measure to fight youth unemployment. We are encouraged that our struggle was not in vain, we were also acutely aware that the struggle for youth representation was not an event, but an ongoing battle which we made a significant breakthrough.

The NYDA is itself honoured to have three (3) of its sitting Board members elected into Parliament representing the ANC and IFP respectively. We congratulate NYDA Executive Deputy Chairperson, Ms Bavelile Hlongwa, Mr Kenny Morolong and Ms Zandile Majozi on their election into Parliament. We are confident that working with other youth across political formations will ensure placement of youth development at the epicentre of the country’s economic development and growth agenda.

The election of the members of the NYDA Board means they will no longer serve as members of the Board since it reports directly to Parliament.

NYDA Act prescribes a process of selection and appointment of members of the Board. The NYDA is in the Presidency and members of the Board are appointed by the President following recommendations by Parliament. We have written to the Accounting Authority (The Presidency through DPME) to receive guidance on how to ensure the institution remains stable and governance continues unabated.

2018/2019 Annual Performance

The NYDA Board is proud to have met all its set targets by reaching 100% of its annual objectives. We are currently subjecting all information to final verification and will submit to the AG. We are happy that we were able to disperse over 1103 Grants to youth-owned enterprises from a target of 840 grants thereby creating over 1000 brand new business owners in 12 months. Our business development support services have supported 25 425 young people from an annual target of 18900. As a result, we have contributed over 5000 direct jobs and a further 5481 through placement in job opportunities. In addition, the NYDA has embarked on a rigorous outreach programme that has seen us reach 1 882 243 young people who were provided with youth development information. We have embarked on 68 programs targeted at rural and township youth.

We have set ourselves an objective of ensuring that the NYDA reaches far and wide, to date in just 2018/2019 we have opened 17 new centres, in the month of June we are launching 6 new centres in the Eastern Cape, Kwa Zulu-Natal and Western Cape rural areas. We have always raised sharply the issue of the budget of the NYDA which is not enough, to date we have raised close to R100 million from partner organizations as well as Provincial and National Departments.

On Finances

We are happy to have spent the entire budget with 70% of the budget going directly to projects. Indications on our Annual Financial Statements are that we have achieved our target of R0 in wasteful and unauthorized expenditure and we are set to achieve the 5th Consecutive Clean Audit.

On Governance and HR

All vacancies at Executive and Senior level have been filled, so the top Management of the institution has now been stabilized. Issues related to the restructuring processes have been concluded and we have reached an agreement with organized labour on outstanding issues including annual increases. The institution has been stabilized in this regard.

On National Youth Service

Our country is one of the few that does not have a compulsory National Youth Service Programme (NYSP) however as the NYDA we have resolved to intensify the National Youth Service. To date we have enrolled close to 200 000 into the program via the different categories. We have partnered with Departments of Arts and Culture, Social Development, Human Settlement, Sports and Recreation, Transnet and various Municipalities. We will intensify this program to reach a million target by 2020.

On Education

We have produced 500 new graduates of the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship fund as we commemorated the 40th Anniversary of Solomon Mahlangu. Our partnership with NSFAS has also seen over 180 000 students using our different offices to access NSFAS applications and benefit from free education.

On Policy

We have finalized the Integrated Youth Development Strategy as well as the Status of Youth Report which have been submitted to the Presidency. Through this vigorous process as well as lobbying we have successfully managed to get Government to legislate the removal of experience as an entry level requirement for all entry level jobs. This is coupled with the 20% quota achieved for youth representation in all key decision-making bodies. We have called on the President to also include youth as he appoints the 6th Government cabinet.

On Youth Month.

This year we will officially launch the youth month on the 4th of June at the Hector Peterson Memorial in Soweto. This will be followed by activities which we will outline on the 4th of June. This year, 2019… the Annual June 16 commemorative events will take place in Limpopo. Details will be released in due course.

We once again take this opportunity to wish all young people of this country strength as we continue to fight against unemployment, poverty and inequalities. Youth development will continue to be at the epicentre of our struggles and indeed victory is certain.

Released by

NYDA Executive Chairperson

Sifiso Mtsweni

Lerato Gambu

NYDA Spokesperson

064 860 0716

Issued by the National Youth Development Agency