Parliament, Tuesday, 19 November 2024 – In its discussion today on the appointment process for a new National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board, the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities reviewed the legal opinion that was presented by the Office on Institutions Supporting Democracy (ISD).
The briefing it received from the ISD provided crucial guidance on what to consider in the appointment process. In addition, the committee’s Content Advisor briefed the committee on the recruitment process for the NYDA Board and the researcher of the committee provided an overview of the applications received.
After careful consideration, the committee agreed to shortlist 18 candidates from the 1,479 applications it received for the seven positions on the NYDA Board. While there was initial deliberation on whether to extend the shortlist to 20 candidates, the committee ultimately decided to adhere to the legal recommendation of 18.
To facilitate public involvement, the committee resolved to publish the profiles of the 18 shortlisted candidates on Parliament's website, allowing for public comment from 3 December 2024 to 15 January 2025. This extended period will provide ample opportunity for civil society and the public to provide commentary on the shortlisted candidates.
The committee resolved to schedule interviews with the shortlisted candidates over three days, from 27 to 29 January 2025. To ensure openness and transparency, these interviews will be broadcasted live to ensure public access and accountability. Following the interviews, the committee will deliberate on the candidates' performances and make recommendations to the President for the final appointments to the NYDA Board.
In addition to the board appointments, the committee expressed concerns over the upcoming departure of the current NYDA Board at the end of November 2024, as well as positions advertised for the CEO and CFO positions. An urgent meeting with the NYDA leadership is planned for this Friday (22 November 2024) to discuss transitional plans and explore measures to maintain stability within the Agency during this critical period.
Committee Chairperson, Ms Liezl van der Merwe emphasised the committee's commitment to a fair, transparent, and rigorous selection process, highlighting the importance of public input in identifying the most suitable candidates and for ensuring stability at the NYDA.
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: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 4974694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour