Chairperson Andile Lungisa said the NYDA, working together with the department of Human Settlements, would hand over 76 houses to people in Ivory Park to commemorate the uprisings of 16 June 1976.

“This is to commemorate 16 June while contributing to nation building and service delivery which are core elements of the National Youth Service Programme,” said Lungisa.

The houses will be handed over to beneficiaries who were recently identified by Human Settlements.

Under the theme, Working together for youth development through action, and showcased by the Tree of Hope and the image of Hector Peterson, the month will also be commemorated with the Nelson Mandela lecture to be held at the university of Fort Hare on 8 June followed by the main celebration at Thulamahashe in Mpumalanga, marking the 34th anniversary of the 1976 uprisings.

This year, the NYDA will mark one year since its formation.

Additional to that, the body has also worked with the Local Orgainising Committee (LOC) in facilitating the registration of 15 000 volunteers for the FIFA World Cup while also moving to mobilise the country to support Bafana Bafana.

“We expect young people to lead from the front by filling stadia, volunteering to receive guests and give them true Ubuntu South African hospitality,” acting minister in the Presidency Richard Baloyi said.

Since the merger between the National Youth Commission and Umsombovu Youth Fund much progress has been made. This includes the disbursing of 7593 loans to micro enterprises to the value of R23 million, the issuing of 4224 business consultancy services voucher valued at 33 million.

Although Treasury had recommended that the NYDA receive R600 million the agency had requested R1 billion. It was given R370 million.

“Although there are budget constraints in the next financial year we will still be fighting for a R1 billion and more,” said the NYDA‘s chief executive officer Steven Ngubeni.

The NYDA since its formation has also adopted eight Key Performance Areas including economic participation, social cohesion, education and skills development. - BuaNews