Appointment of NYDA advisory boards based on political affiliation, not merit

The appointment of provincial advisory boards for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) that took place last week was based on political affiliation and not merit. AfriForum Youth learned from a confidential source that NYDA board members were presented with lists of preferred candidates of the ANC Youth League and were given a clear instruction to select candidates based on the lists instead of merit.

Each candidate who was nominated for a provincial advisory board was subjected to a selection process. Interviews were held with the candidates and their qualifications, community involvement and political contacts, among other things, were considered. A score out of 15 was awarded to each candidate based on these aspects.

The national chairman of AfriForum Youth, Ernst Roets, said that all indications were that the process to identify suitable candidates was legitimate and credible. "The day on which the decisions had to be made the ANC Youth League handed out lists of names and the board members were instructed to vote according to the lists. The board members were informed that the ANC Youth League's lists carried more weight than the scores awarded to the candidates."

According to Roets they intend to discuss the matter with the leadership of the NYDA. "If the discussion proves to be unsatisfactory, further action will be taken. The NYDA's mandate is to support and develop all South African young people. What happened at the selection of the advisory boards flies in the face of the NYDA's mandate and all principles of fairness. They will have to decide whether they are the National Youth Development Agency or the ANC Youth League Development Agency."

Statement issued by Ernst Roets, National chairman: AfriForum Youth, October 19 2010

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