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The National Assembly, during its plenary sitting this afternoon, adopted the report of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities on filling vacancies on the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board.

According to the National Youth Development Agency Act, the NYDA Board is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the National Assembly. Following a recruitment and interview process, the Portfolio Committee recommended the following nine candidates for appointment by the President to serve as NYDA board members for three years:

• Ms Kelly Sandra Baloyi holds a Bachelors degree in International Studies and is a community outreach specialist with a record of successful community service and engagement.

• Ms Thembisile Precious Mawuha holds an Honours degree in Policy Making and Analysis for Africa’s Development and a Bachelor of Laws. She has also received the Mail and GuardianTop Young South African and the 100 Most Notable Women in Africa awards.

• Dr Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha holds a PhD in Development Studies. He has extensive academic and practical experience in youth development, with a focus on empowering marginalisedcommunities. He has also published scholarly articles on women’s empowerment and actively engaged in community development projects, contributing to the establishment of a just and equitable society. 

• Mr Bonga Sipheshile Makhanya holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Economic Sciences) degree, and has served as Executive Chairperson of the South African Youth Economic Council.

• Mr Sibusiso Makhathini holds a BCom Honours in Business Management and a Bachelor of Social Science. He has experience in office administration, finance management and expenditure control. 

• Mr Irfaan Mangera holds an Honours degree in Education, and has a track record of consistent community activism, leadership, facilitation and development work. He also has experience in managing, facilitating and developing community programmes related to social justice around South Africa.

• Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende holds a PhD in Criminology and Forensic Studies. She has vast experience in criminal justice, particularly restorative justice, with a main focus on juvenile justice, psychology and industrial psychology, including lecturing research methodologies modules.

• Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo holds a Bachelor of Social Science (International Relations and Politics) and is a human rights and youth activist and development worker experienced in political and community levels. They have engaged in numerous programmes that have yielded tangible results towards building societies that are equal at a socio-economic and political level. 

• Mr Xabiso Nicholas Nyati has served as a councillor in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and has experience in facilitating service delivery, stakeholder relations and research. 

The names of the recommended candidates will now be sent to the President for appointment.

Issued by Parliament of South Africa