Parliament, Tuesday, 25 March 2025 –Starting its week-long oversight visit programme in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) yesterday, the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities visited the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) to assess progress and outcomes on programmes aimed at addressing gender-based violence and femicide, gender equality and youth unemployment.
The committee Chairperson, Ms Liezl van der Merwe, said eventhough the two entities have viable programmes and policies in place, there is still room for improvement in order to increase theirimpact. She highlighted the need for the CGE to be more accessible and visible, especially in rural and peri-urban communities.
The committee expressed its appreciation for the programmes and their milestones in its engagement with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). It also noted with concern the high youth unemployment figures and called on the NYDA to accelerate its youth development initiatives and strategies.
Today, the committee will visit Inkosi Albert Luthuli School (a mainstream school for learners with disabilities) and hold an engagement with stakeholders from the disability sector, includingwith parents of children with disabilities.
The committee will also conduct a site visit to NYDA projects – Phohlolizile Pty Ltd, Lilitha Othopro Solutions, Zonke Bonke Clothing and Accessories.
Attached is the committee’s oversight programme https://tinyurl.com/43328sh8
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WOMEN YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, MS LIEZL VAN DER MERWE.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Nompumelelo Mokoena (Ms)
Cell: 083 607 7250
E-mail: nmokoena@parliament.gov.za
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