By REGINALD KANYANE
23 July 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 9(1)(a) of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act of 2008, appointed members of the Board of the Agency for a period of three years, with effect from 1 August 2025. Ramaphosa said the Act of Parliament established the NYDA, primarily to address challenges faced by the nation’s youth.
He further said the Agency functions as a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at national, provincial and local government level. Ramaphosa added that he has appointed the following Board members- Ms Kelly Sandra Baloyi
– Ms Thembisile Precious Mahuwa
– Mr Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya
– Mr Sibusiso Makhathini
– Dr Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha
– Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende
– Mx Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo
“I have also, in terms of Section 9(5)(a) of the NYDA Act, designated Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende as the chairperson of the of the National Youth Development Agency Board and Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya as the deputy chairperson of the Board.
“We appreciate the willingness of the Board members to avail themselves for the national task of securing a promising future for the nation through the empowerment of young people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities said it has noted the appointment of the new Board of the National Youth Development Youth Agency (NYDA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The committee said it welcomes the new Board, which replaces an interim one that has been in place since November 2024.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Liezl van der Merwe expressed the optimism of the committee on the new Board with members who have relevant skills and knowledge that will add a meaningful value to the NYDA and take it to the new heights. Van der Merwe said the committee expressed its faith in the new leadership of the NYDA, which is led by a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
“The committee wished the new Board well and trust that it will rise to the occasion. We are looking forward to working together with the new Board and hope that it will provide innovative solutions that will address the complex and vast challenges that currently face the young people,” she said.
The Guardian 