By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 March 2025– Starting its week-long oversight visit programme in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) yesterday, the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities visited the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) said it is set to assess progress and outcomes on programmes aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), gender equality and youth unemployment.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Liezl van der Merwe, said even though the two entities have viable programmes and policies in place, there is still room for improvement in order to increase their impact. Van der Merwe highlighted the need for the CGE to be more accessible and visible, especially in rural and peri-urban communities.
She further said the committee expressed its appreciation for the programmes and their milestones in its engagement with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). Van der Merwe added that, they also noted with concern the high youth unemployment figures and called on the NYDA to accelerate its youth development initiatives and strategies.
“Today, the committee will visit Inkosi Albert Luthuli School (a mainstream school for learners with disabilities) and hold an engagement with stakeholders from the disability sector, including with parents of children with disabilities.
“The committee will also conduct a site visit to NYDA projects – Phohlolizile Pty Ltd, Lilitha Othopro Solutions, Zonke Bonke Clothing and Accessories,” she added.
The Guardian 