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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.

Issued by Acting Spokesperson to the President  Tyrone Seale