President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday appointed a new board for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Ramaphosa appointed seven board members from the 17 names recommended by the National Assembly.
The new NYDA board comprises Asanda Luwac, Avela Mjajubana, Karabo Mohale, Lebo Mulaisi, Thulisa Ndlela, Pearl Pillay and Alexandria Procter.
The president has designated Asanda Luwaca as chairperson and Karabo Mohale as deputy chairperson of the NYDA Board.
Luwaca is the first female chairperson of the NYDA board, in line with the president’s commitment to advance women leadership at all levels.
Ramaphosa said: “The new board of the NYDA 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 Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has executive authority for the NYDA.
Commenting on the new board, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane 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 NYDA is an agency established primarily to tackle challenges that the nation’s youth are faced with.
Members of the board, which must reflect the demographics and geographical spread of South Africa, are appointed for a term of three years.
