Committee members opt for continuity with NYDA board recommendations

Four people who have a history with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) have been chosen by Parliament’s ad hoc committee charged with selecting the agency’s new board.

Current NYDA chairman Yershen Pillay‚ former board member Zandile Majozi‚ current NYDA deputy chair Kenny Morolong and founding member Sifiso Mtsweni all made it into the committee’s final list of seven board members during a committee meeting on Tuesday.

Other candidates who made the shortlist following two sets of interviews with the committee are mining specialist Joy Maimela‚ youth activist Ndumiso Mokako and community healthcare worker Bavelile Hlongwa.

Ad hoc committee member for the ANC Kekulu Tseke nominated Pillay‚ saying that his experience at the NYDA would help the board to hit the ground running. Ad hoc committee member for the ANC Regina Lesoma nominated Majozi‚ saying she would bring continuity into the new board as well as “experience and awareness”.

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ANC member Zukiswa Ncitha nominated Morolong‚ saying his current role in the NYDA served as an asset. ANC member Bongani Mkongi nominated Mtsweni‚ saying that his role in helping establish the NYDA after the Umsobomvu Youth Fund and the National Youth Commission meant he understood the mandate of the agency best.

Ad hoc committee member for the DA Yusuf Cassim asked that the committee note the opposition party’s objection to the process of selecting candidates as it lacked diversity in terms of geographic spread.

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The ad hoc committee will finalise its report and recommendations for the new NYDA board. The report will be handed to both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces‚ after which President Jacob Zuma is expected to sign off on the recommendations.

The ad hoc committee also recommended amendments to the National Youth Development Agency Act aimed at clarifying criteria for appointment‚ especially related to age‚ experience and qualifications.

– TMG Digital/BusinessLIVE