Youth agency board ordered to clean up image

12 April 2013 - 03:55

By AMUKELANI CHAUKE

Deputy minister in The Presidency Obed Bapela has told the newly appointed board of the National Youth Development Agency to restore the agency's image before asking for more taxpayers' money.

Bapela said the agency had often made news for all the wrong reasons.

Its books were recently scrutinised by auditor-general Terence Nombembe.

Introducing its members at the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday, Bopela said the new board would have to regain the trust and confidence of society.

"That image of the agency has been bothering us as government. We hope that this dynamic leadership will use their talents, their potential ... to restore the image of the institution.

"We also spoke to them about youth being a priority. About 54% of the population is below the age of 45 and that population has needs, has demands, there is high unemployment amongst them. Most of them are not active in the economy," he said.

The agency's business-support programmes have often been overshadowed by controversy, including the R69-million spent on the World Youth Festival in 2010 that culminated in kissing games.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela investigated whether the agency acted within its mandate to host and fund the festival amid allegations that it improperly sponsored projects favoured by the ANC Youth League.

Last year, Nombembe said the agency had spent R133-million irregularly, and its leadership had failed to provide "adequate oversight" of its financial reporting and compliance with the law.

The seven-member board will be chaired by Yershen Pillay, who takes over from ANC Youth League leader Andile Lungisa. Pillay, who is also national chairman of the Young Communist League, is on the board for a second stint, having being Lungisa's previous deputy.

ANC North West spokesman Kenny Morolong is deputy chair. Xoliswa Bambiso, Zandile Majosi, Mothupi Modiba, Nyaleng Potloane and Maropene Ntuli - who was appointed to the ANC Youth League's interim team this week - make up the rest of the board.