Cape Town: The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has encouraged young leaders to consider applying for positions at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board. Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, emphasized the search for individuals who are passionate, capable, and committed to enacting meaningful change. Letsike highlighted the opportunity for youth with a deep understanding of community needs and a drive to uplift and empower their peers to be part of a transformative journey in shaping policies and leading initiatives that will impact young people across the country.
According to South African Government News Agency, the call for applications follows the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities’ invitation to the public to apply or nominate suitable candidates for the NYDA Board. This initiative is mandated by the National Youth Development Agency Amendment Ac
t, (No. 11 of 2024). The application invite, posted on 20 October 2024, requires all applicants and nominees to complete an online application available on the parliamentary website. Certified copies of identity documents and academic qualifications must be uploaded and must not be older than six months.
A list of shortlisted candidates will be published on the parliamentary website, allowing public commentary on the candidates’ suitability. The disclosure of personal information will be subject to lawful processing and secure storage. Shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-employment screening by the State Security Agency and qualification verification by Parliament’s Human Resources, in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (No. 4 of 2013) and the Employment Equity Act (No. 55 of 1998).
Parliament will recommend candidates to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will appoint NYDA Board members for a term not exceeding three years. Board members may serve on a full-time or part-time basis a
nd may be reappointed for one additional term but not more than two terms in total. The DWYPD outlined this in their announcement.
Candidates must be South African citizens aged 18 to 35, possess relevant knowledge, expertise, experience, or qualifications in youth development, social development, financial, legal, or other fields vital for advancing the agency’s mandate. They must be committed to the vision, mission, goals, objectives, values, and principles of the National Youth Policy. Applications, including the nominator’s details and the nominee’s acceptance, must be submitted before the closing date at midnight on 18 November 2024.