Question NW1471 to the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
22 September 2023 - NW1471
Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
In light of the high unemployment and poverty rates in the Republic, what impact has the (a) National Youth Development Agency, (b) Small Enterprise Finance Agency and (c) Sector Education and Training Authorities had in addressing youth unemployment and poverty?
Reply:
a) Since its inception in 2010 the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has, among other achievements:
- Supported more than 200 000 youth owned enterprises with non-financial interventions which include business development training, business development support, access to market initiatives and mentorship and aftercare.
- Provided more than 25 000 youth owned enterprises with financial support to start and scale their own enterprises.
- Assisted more than 500 000 with skills development and work readiness programs to support their transitions into the labour market.
- Placed more than 100 000 youth in jobs.
- Supported more than 250 000 youth through National Youth Service programs which have contributed to social cohesion and nation building.
- Commissioned over 20 independent monitoring and evaluation assessments of the impact of its programs.
- Developed the approved Integrated Youth Development Strategy 2030 aligned to the National Development Plan and the National Youth Policy. Two progress reports on the IYDS have been completed to date.
b) The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) is under the custodianship of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). This part of the question may be directed to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition for reply.
c) Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are under the custodianship of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). This part of the question may be directed to the Minister of Higher Education and Training for reply.