Having worked for almost a year without a Board, it is an honour and a privilege to welcome the new National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board members. During the period beginning April 2012 to March 2013, following the end of term of the NYDA inaugural Board, our institution found itself without the necessary political authority.

Despite this reality I am proud to say that as the leadership of the institution, myself together with a dedicated team of youth practitioners, we were able to steer the ship towards the right direction. Needless to say, this has not been a smooth sailing journey as we continue every day to face a growing demand of the needs of young people.

This takes place within the backdrop of limited resources to enable the institution to adequately respond to these increasing demands. We have however managed to make a difference in the lives of the young people that we have come into contact with. 

With the arrival of the new members of the NYDA Board, we look forward to working closely together with renewed energies and efforts towards finding lasting solutions to the demands and needs of our country’s youth. I personally look forward to this journey as we support the vision that the new Board will present for all of us to rally behind.

Let us all therefore roll up our sleeves and put our hands on deck and increase our pace in responding to the challenges that confront our youth. Having worked with some of the members of the new NYDA Board, I am confident that the President has made the correct decision by putting together a team that is equal to the task.

President Jacob Zuma has, in terms of section 9 (2) of the National Youth Development Agency Act, 2008 (Act No. 54 2008), appointed new members of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board.

The appointed new members are:

1. Xoliswa Ayanda Bambiso
2. Zandile Majozi
3. Mothupi Phaladi Modiba
4. Itiseng Kenny Morolong
5. Maropene Lydia Ntuli
6. Yershen Pillay
7. Nyalleng Potloane

The President has also, in terms of section 9(5)(a) of the Act, designated Mr Yershen Pillay as the Chairperson and Mr Itiseng Kenny Morolong as Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency Board respectively. The members of the board are appointed for a period of three years.