The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has announced a renewed focus on youth development, positioning itself as more than just a grant-making institution.
Speaking during the National Youth Day commemorations in Johannesburg on Tuesday, NYDA Executive Chairperson, Dr Sunshine Myende, said the agency is working to become a leading force in connecting young people with opportunities across South Africa.
The event was led by Cyril Ramaphosa and formed part of the country's Youth Day celebrations.
NYDA Strengthens Governance And Expands Youth Opportunities
Since taking office on 1 August 2025, the current NYDA Board has prioritised strengthening governance, improving accountability and expanding partnerships with stakeholders.
The agency has also increased engagement with Parliament and intensified community outreach programmes aimed at bringing services directly to young people, particularly in underserved communities where access to opportunities is often limited.
According to Myende, these efforts are helping the NYDA play a broader role in advancing youth development and creating pathways to economic participation.
“Our work has included provincial youth engagements at schools and institutions of higher learning, Youth Fund mobilisation, investment and value-chain partnerships, participation in platforms such as the Mining Indaba, tourism and enterprise development initiatives, and the elevation of South African youth voices on international platforms including the United Nations.
“Every engagement has been driven by one objective: to bring opportunity closer to young people and young people closer to opportunity,” she said.
More Than R28 Million In Grants Awarded To Young Entrepreneurs
Myende revealed that during the reporting period, the NYDA processed more than 1,300 grant opportunities worth over R28 million.
The funding has supported young entrepreneurs who are launching businesses, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth in their communities.
By supporting youth-owned enterprises, the agency aims to stimulate local economies while helping young people become active participants in South Africa's development.
100,000 National Youth Service Opportunities Created
The NYDA has also partnered with the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention to expand work opportunities for young people.
“Through our partnership with the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, we have launched 100 000 paid National Youth Service opportunities, ensuring that thousands of young South Africans gain meaningful work experience while serving their communities and contributing to nation-building,” Myende said.
These opportunities are designed to provide practical work experience while enabling participants to contribute positively to their communities.
New AI And Coding Initiative To Equip Youth With Future Skills
Looking ahead, the NYDA plans to launch a major digital skills programme known as I AM THE CODE in July.
The initiative aims to equip more than 600,000 young South Africans with skills needed for the future economy, including artificial intelligence, coding, robotics, fintech, agritech and digital entrepreneurship.
“We refuse to prepare young people only for the economy we inherited. We are preparing them to lead the economy that is emerging as well,” the Chairperson said.
The programme is expected to play a key role in helping young people prepare for rapidly changing labour market demands and emerging industries.
Government Collaboration Driving Youth Development
Myende said a coordinated network of government departments and partners is emerging to place young people at the centre of South Africa's development agenda.
She highlighted several initiatives already creating opportunities for youth across different sectors.
“The Department of Employment and Labour is expanding pathways through its Labour Activation Programme. The Department of Small Business Development is opening doors through the Youth Entrepreneurship Fund and the Spaza Shop Support Fund, recognising that young people are not only looking for jobs but are capable of creating them.
“The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is investing in thousands of opportunities through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, ensuring that creativity and culture become engines of economic participation. These initiatives remind us that when government works together, opportunity can be created at scale,” the Chairperson said.
As South Africa continues to tackle youth unemployment and economic inequality, the NYDA says its expanded approach aims to ensure that more young people can access opportunities, develop skills and contribute meaningfully to the country's future.
Additional reporting by SANews.gov.za.
