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Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga.
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), in partnership with the Mpumalanga government, is set to launch a new youth outreach initiative to bring opportunities closer to communities.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, says the programme known as Phanda Thursday will take place weekly, providing young people with access to skills, support services and career opportunities.
SABC Interviews] Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga, and NYDA Executive Chairperson Dr Sunshine Myende at the Phanda Thursday Launch.
Stayed tuned for more. #PhandaThursday #YouthEmpowerment #SABCNews… pic.twitter.com/axNNCnOhPM
— NYDARSA (@NYDARSA) May 28, 2026
Chikunga says the initiative is designed to help thousands of young people kick-start their professional journeys and address rising levels of youth unemployment.
The rollout is expected to connect communities with vital resources, as government intensifies efforts to empower young South Africans and improve economic participation at the grassroots level.
“It actually take services, first of the NYDA to where young people are. NYDA does this together with the government departments, with state owned companies, with the private sector even. So that a young person who wants to register for instance a company, can do that in one area and get all the services and be able to do that. A young person who is applying and doesn’t know how to write a CV, will therefore be given an opportunity to be assisted with that,” says Chikunga.
Make your way to the Sasol Club in eMbalenhle, Secunda, Govan Mbeki Municipality, Mpumalanga, for the exciting NYDA Phanda Thursday Launch!
Join us for a dynamic day of networking, youth empowerment, business development opportunities, and meaningful engagement with exhibitors… pic.twitter.com/rveSAXRK0k
— NYDARSA (@NYDARSA) May 28, 2026
Chikunga adds, “What is different about this flagship project for the NYDA is that it’s not just about information, but it’s actually about doing. So if you come here you want to register your company, you can actually register it here because the CPIP will be here. If you want a tax clearance for instance, SARS is here to do that, not to provide you with information but to assist you to do that. If you want to be supported or any mentorship, NYDA is here and therefore they can register you for training that you might require in how to run a business. So we are here bringing services, not just information.”
