Dr Myende humbled by board chair appointment

Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende has recently been overwhelmed with congratulatory messages.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced her as the new chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board.

Ramaphosa said that, in terms of Section 9(1)(a) of the NYDA Act of 2008, he appointed board members of the agency for three years, effective from August 1.

Myende is originally from Emalangeni, which falls under the Umdoni municipality.

She was appointed along with fellow board members Kelly Sandra Baloyi, Thembisile Precious Mahuwa, Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya, Sibusiso Makhathini, Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha and Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo.

Ramaphosa explained that the NYDA was established primarily to address the challenges faced by the nation’s youth.

He said the agency functions as a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at national, provincial and local government levels.

Ramaphosa added that he appreciated the willingness of the appointed board members to avail themselves for the national task of securing a promising future for the nation through the empowerment of young people.

Myende said as a girl who grew up in a rural area, hearing the news of her appointment was humbling.

She said she will focus on ensuring that young people have access to the NYDA.

Myende said she has noticed a lack of information regarding the agency.

“I want to address the issues of exclusion that young people often talk about when it comes to the agency. There is also a lack of information. Some young people believe that the NYDA is for a certain group of people, which is untrue. We will make sure that young people can easily access the NYDA. We want to restore the hope young people have in the agency and also make sure that they use the agency to benefit them,” she said.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Ugu district champion, Mbali Shinga, congratulated Myende on her appointment.

Shinga, who is also the KZN Social Development MEC, expressed her unwavering confidence in Myende’s leadership, saying that the NYDA is in capable hands and that she will effectively address the challenges confronting the youth.

“Dr Myende’s prior experience with NYDA, having worked alongside the late chairperson Bavelile Hlongwa, positions her well to drive meaningful impact. She holds notable academic achievements and extensive experience in the public sector. She is an inspiration to young people,” she said.

In a statement, the South African Youth Council (SAYC) in the region said: “SAYC Ugu congratulates young people entrusted with the NYDA board responsibility led by Dr Myende, a young person from the Ugu district and a former provincial organiser of SAYC KZN.”

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