NYDA responds to questions on grants
"We want to deliver and we will get to you if you stay in the system."
KwaThema – The South African Youth Council organised a skills development workshop to educate young people about viable economic opportunities.
Lungile Mpisane, grants consultant for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), admits they have a huge backlog.
“People always ask how long the process will take.
“But honestly, there are many factors to consider in each case, so I don’t have one answer for everyone.”
He encourages the youth to be persistent.
“We want to deliver and we will get to you if you stay in the system.”
Mpisane says their offices accept any person, whether they have an appointment or not.
The NYDA is committed to providing various entrepreneurship development skills and mentorship programmes based on the needs of its clients.
“We do offer training.
“After assessing what you have and your business, we advise accordingly.”
Sbongumusa Zwane, National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) administrator, says the organisation does not disqualify students based on age.
Twenty-four-year-old Mmabatho Mariri is worried she may not be considered because she wants to study nursing, which may not be at a university.
“Your responsibility is to find the qualification you want at a reputable institution and then apply for financial aid,” says Zwane.
He adds there are many misconceptions about who the scheme funds and why it does not fund others.
“When in doubt, it is better to come to our offices and ask, rather than asking your friends, because they may not be giving you the correct information.”
The Youth Council with the help of the metro collected the CVs of unemployed youth, who are not in business, for internship and leadership opportunities.
The NYDA can be contacted on 011 834 7660 (standard rates apply).
