Grant Pascoe
President Cyril Ramaphosa has once again shown that this government is not serious about including all South Africans. The new National Youth Development Agency Board (NYDA) was announced, and not one person from any minority community was appointed. That includes no representation from the coloured community. This is not just unfair. It breaks the promise the President made to the country.
In his 2022 State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa said, “We will forge a comprehensive social compact to grow our economy, create jobs and combat hunger. This work will build a new consensus among all sectors of society.” These were strong words. But today, those words mean very little to the people who are constantly left out.
Presidential Appointments to NYDA Board
In a Statement from The Presidency the following appointments were confirmed.
President Ramaphosa has appointed the following National Youth Development Agency Board members:
– Ms Kelly Sandra Baloyi
– Ms Thembisile Precious Mahuwa
– Mr Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya
– Mr Sibusiso Makhathini
– Dr Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha
– Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende
– Mx Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo
President Ramaphosa has also, in terms of Section 9(5)(a) of the NYDA Act, designated Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende as the chairperson of the of the National Youth Development Agency Board, and Mr Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya as the deputy chairperson of the Board.
No Minorities on NYDA Board
The coloured community, in particular, has been pushed aside time and time again. Even though this community has played a major role in building the country, it is often ignored when it comes to leadership, youth programmes and national appointments. It feels like coloured people are only spoken about when it’s time to vote, but forgotten the rest of the time.
By leaving out all minorities from this important youth board, the President has sent a message that only one group matters most. It confirms what many already believe, that when the ANC says black in general and African in particular, it is more than just a slogan. It is now policy.
No Social Cohesion While Practising Exclusion
You cannot speak about unity and leave whole communities out. You cannot build social cohesion while practising exclusion. You cannot ask for trust when your actions show bias.
Minorities are not asking for favours. We are asking for fairness, for recognition and for our rightful place in this country’s future.
Mr President, you promised a social compact. Right now, your government is breaking it.
