DWYPD BY FIONA WAKELIN & JESSIE TAYLOR
Department of Women, Youth and Persons and Disabilities champions youth development
T
he Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons and Disabilities held public hearings on the National Youth Development Agency Amendment Bill in Parliament last month (October). The Bill aims to, among other things, amend the National Youth Development Agency Act, 2008, so as to insert new definitions; to amend the provisions relating to the objects of the Agency; to amend the functions of the Agency; to provide for the governance responsibilities of the Board; to provide for additional Board members; to provide that a Board member may not be reappointed for more than two consecutive terms; to authorise the Minister to make regulations; and to provide for matters connected therewith. The National Youth Development Agency Amendment Bill has been championed by the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities (DWYPD), to optimise the service delivery of the NYDA. The NYDA focuses on economic development through youth entrepreneurship, training and employment, and
54 Public Sector Leaders | November 2023
addresses development issues in all three spheres of government. NYDA and DWYPD have agreed on a shareholder’s compact with the DWYPD being responsible for sharing policy information as it relates to all vulnerable groups so that it can be used in the design of youth programmes. Addressing challenges faced by youth Youth represent more than a third of the South African population, yet they face numerous challenges – including a shockingly high unemployment rate, lack of equal access to education, poverty and crime. To improve the lives of young people, the NYDA designs and implements policies and programmes to address the challenges unique to South African youth. The agency represents young people’s interests and ensures they are prioritised at the government level and strives to create more opportunities for the youth.
