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The DA Youth welcomes the announcement over the past weekend of the intention to step down by the Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Since her appointment at the beginning of 2023, the minister, like her predecessors, has done nothing notable to tackle the issues facing young people, some as a result of ANC’s incompetence and neglect.

Given the high levels of unemployment, the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities has a crucial role in overseeing the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), whose mandate is to address the socio-economic conditions of the youth of South Africa.

For many years, the DA Youth has called out the mismanagement of NYDA by the ANCYL and its allies, coupled with allegations of corruption by its CEO. The current minister had an opportunity to deal with these issues and still has time to do so.

It has been interesting to see the NYDA suddenly working hard in areas around Mbombela in the past week, where the ANC was celebrating its 112th Birthday. This confirms our claims that the ANCYL is using the agency to benefit its members and use it as its election campaign resource.

There will come a time when the youth of South Africa will finally say, “Enough is enough.” This year’s elections offer us that opportunity. It is time to remove the ANC from government and elect leaders who will put young people's issues first.

Issued by Lindokuhle Sixabayi - Interm DA Youth Federal Deputy Chairperson: Media and Publicity