South Africa is facing one of the most serious youth development challenges in its democratic history.
Millions of young people continue to confront unemployment, inequality, and limited economic opportunities.
These are structural challenges that require focus, cooperation, and responsible leadership.
It is therefore deeply concerning that the national conversation about youth development is increasingly being consumed by political rhetoric and misinformation rather than constructive engagement.
Recent media coverage about the National Youth Development Agency has, unfortunately, contributed to the politicisation of a crisis affecting millions of young South Africans.
At a time when the country should be united around solutions, some commentary has chosen to create sensational narratives about governance and expenditure without a proper understanding of the legislation that governs public entities.
It is particularly disappointing when policymakers themselves misrepresent the law or demonstrate a lack of understanding of the frameworks that guide public institutions’ work.
Much of the recent debate has centred on claims suggesting that the agency incurred R71 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
This narrative is misleading and does not align with the definitions in the Public Finance Management Act.
The Act clearly distinguishes between unauthorised expenditure, irregular expenditure, and fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
These are specific legal terms with clear meanings, and they cannot simply be used interchangeably for political effects.
Fruitless and wasteful expenditure refers to spending that was made in vain and could have been avoided had reasonable care been exercised.
The widely circulated R71 million figure does not constitute fruitless and wasteful expenditure as defined in the Public Finance Management Act.
The agency operates within approved budget allocations and in accordance with the governance requirements that apply to public institutions.
Mischaracterising expenditure in this way not only misleads the public but also undermines the credibility of institutions that are working to serve young people.
Questions have also been raised regarding the tenure of the chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC).
It is important to clarify that the ARC is not illegal and remains a legitimate part of the governance structure required within public institutions.
The extension of the current chairperson’s term was undertaken to ensure continuity in oversight while the annual reporting process was being concluded and presented before Parliament.
The chairperson of the ARC is an independent oversight authority and therefore the most appropriate individual to present the committee’s work in Parliament.
From a governance perspective, it would have been inappropriate for board members or executives, who are subject to oversight, to present these matters themselves.
The extension, therefore, ensured governance integrity while the recruitment process progressed.
The process to appoint a new chairperson is now at an advanced stage, and it is anticipated that the successful candidate will assume duties on the 01st of April 2026.
At the centre of all of this remains the mandate of the National Youth Development Agency.
The agency exists to advocate for youth development and to coordinate youth development efforts across government and society.
It serves as a catalyst to ensure that the issues affecting young people remain central to national development priorities.
Policymakers should therefore be advocating for greater support and resources for the agency so that it can effectively carry out this mandate.
Equally important is policymakers’ responsibility to ensure that all institutions tasked with youth development fulfil their obligations.
Across government, there are departments and entities with budgets dedicated to youth programmes.
Too often, these funds remain underutilised and are returned to South Africa’s National Treasury or redirected to priorities unrelated to youth development.
In a country facing a youth unemployment crisis, this represents a serious missed opportunity.
It is also important to highlight that the agency has made progress in strengthening financial governance.
The most recent audit outcome issued by the Auditor-General of South Africa confirmed an improved audit result, with the agency receiving an unqualified audit outcome.
This represents a significant improvement over the previous qualified audit and reflects the work undertaken to strengthen governance systems, financial oversight, and accountability within the organisation.
Another misconception relates to how public funds are allocated and used. Public institutions operate within strict budgetary structures, with funds allocated to specific programmes and functions.
Resources appropriated for youth programmes cannot be diverted to other operational expenses, such as travel.
The National Youth Development Agency adheres strictly to these budget lines, and programme funds are utilised for youth development initiatives that directly benefit young people across the country.
Public scrutiny of spending is necessary and welcomed in any democratic society. However, scrutiny must also consider value for money and the return on investment associated with all interventions.
Much attention has been directed at the agency’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which has been reported as a R1 million trip.
What has been largely ignored in the public discourse is the value and opportunity that emerged from that engagement.
Through this engagement, the agency secured a collaboration that will provide 600 000 young South Africans with free training opportunities in Artificial Intelligence, coding, and data science.
Each training licence associated with this initiative is valued at $9 000.
The scale of this partnership represents a significant opportunity to equip South African youth with digital and technological skills that are increasingly required in the global economy.
When evaluating the value of such engagements, it is important to consider the long-term benefits and the opportunities created for young people.
Questions have also been raised regarding the tenure of the chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC).
It is important to clarify that the ARC is not illegal and remains a legitimate part of the governance structure required within public institutions.
The extension of the current chairperson’s term was undertaken to ensure continuity in oversight while the annual reporting process was being concluded and presented before Parliament.
The chairperson of the ARC is an independent oversight authority and therefore the most appropriate individual to present the committee’s work in Parliament.
From a governance perspective, it would have been inappropriate for board members or executives, who are subject to oversight, to present these matters themselves.
The extension, therefore, ensured governance integrity while the recruitment process progressed.
The process to appoint a new chairperson is now at an advanced stage, and it is anticipated that the successful candidate will assume duties on the 01st of April 2026
At the centre of all of this remains the mandate of the National Youth Development Agency.
The agency exists to advocate for youth development and to coordinate youth development efforts across government and society.
It serves as a catalyst to ensure that the issues affecting young people remain central to national development priorities.
Policymakers should therefore be advocating for greater support and resources for the agency so that it can effectively carry out this mandate.
Equally important is policymakers’ responsibility to ensure that all institutions tasked with youth development fulfil their obligations.
Across government, there are departments and entities with budgets dedicated to youth programmes.
Too often, these funds remain underutilised and are returned to South Africa’s National Treasury or redirected to priorities unrelated to youth development.
In a country facing a youth unemployment crisis, this represents a serious missed opportunity.
The youth crisis is not the responsibility of a single institution.
It is a national challenge that requires collective action from government, the private sector, and society as a whole.
Expanding opportunities for young people requires coordinated investment, stronger partnerships, and a shared commitment to placing youth development at the centre of economic and social policy.
It is also important to address suggestions that board members allow political affiliations to interfere with their responsibilities.
Members of the board fully understand their governance duties and the fiduciary obligations that accompany public office.
Like every citizen in a constitutional democracy, they have the right to associate with political organisations.
However, these affiliations do not influence the decisions they take in the execution of their duties.
The board operates in accordance with legislation and governance frameworks and remains focused on its mandate to serve the youth of South Africa.
Despite the noise and the attempted distractions that have characterised recent public discourse, we remain firmly focused on our mission.
We remain committed to serving the youth of South Africa despite the attempted distractions, and we will continue to ensure that the programmes and advocacy work of the agency respond to the needs of young people across the country.
We are equally committed to transparency and accountability, and we welcome constructive engagement that strengthens the institution and advances the national youth development agenda.
The national conversation about youth development must return to what matters most.
It must focus on expanding opportunities, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that every institution entrusted with resources for youth development plays its role.
The future of South Africa depends on the success of its young people, and addressing the youth crisis requires unity, responsibility, and leadership from all sectors of society.
*The writer of this article is Dr. Sunshine Myende, Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency. The views expressed by Dr. Sunshine Myende are not necessarily those of The Bulrushes
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