The Democratic Alliance (DA) will be submitting parliamentary questions on the reported R1 million National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) trip to New York, and we will probe this matter until full answers are provided.
We are seriously concerned over reports that the NYDA spent this much on a delegation trip to attend events linked to the United Nations General Assembly. Media reports describing business class flights, luxury accommodation and activities that appear to offer little direct benefit to unemployed young people in South Africa raise serious questions about priorities.
This concern is reinforced by the President’s recent State of the Nation Address, where he acknowledged that too many young people are struggling to find their first job and that tackling youth unemployment must remain a national priority.
According to reports, the delegation, including senior NYDA leadership, undertook a seven-day trip involving significant travel and accommodation costs at a time when the agency faces financial pressure and youth unemployment remains at crisis levels. The itinerary reportedly included networking engagements, social events and ceremonial appearances, with no clear indication of measurable outcomes that advance the NYDA’s core mandate of supporting youth entrepreneurship.
Public funds must be used in the public interest, especially when millions of young South Africans remain locked out of meaningful economic opportunity. The President has emphasised the need to expand work opportunities through initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the SA Youth Platform and partnerships aimed at opening pathways into employment.
Questionable spending at institutions meant to empower young people has real consequences. It diverts resources away from programmes that could directly support youth and undermines public confidence. It also risks widening the gap between decision-makers and the lived realities of young South Africans trying to enter the labour market. This is particularly concerning given the clear acknowledgement at national level that youth unemployment requires focused investment and delivery.
Stronger leadership and closer oversight are needed to ensure that spending at the NYDA is properly controlled and directed towards programmes that make a tangible difference in the lives of young people. Funding must prioritise direct support, skills development and access to opportunities.
The DA will continue to pursue this matter through all available oversight mechanisms to ensure full transparency and accountability. At a time when government has committed itself to expanding opportunities for young people, every spending decision must be able to stand up to scrutiny.
South Africa’s young people deserve an agency that is fully focused on their future and on expanding real opportunities.