Sunshine Myende faces NYDA conflict of interest claims

Fresh scandal just slammed an agency meant to rescue South Africa's youth, with its own chairperson at the center of the mess.

Myende's dual-role controversy

• Sunshine Myende became NYDA chairperson in August 2025.
• Her ANC Youth League election followed in December 2025.
• Liezl van der Merwe flagged the overlap as a conflict.
• Sihle Lonzi called the NYDA an ANC campaign vehicle.

Travel spending under the microscope

• The Auditor-General questioned Myende's travel expenses.
• Trips reportedly lacked clear justification or value.
• Youth unemployment sits above 45% for ages 15-34.

Disability mistreatment allegations

• Disabled participants faced poor accommodations at ANC events.
• Accessibility failures and dismissive treatment were reported.
• Disability-rights groups demanded that the NYDA do better.

The NYDA's long scandal rap sheet

• A R1-million New York trip drew heat in 2022.
• Board appointments repeatedly stank of political patronage.
• A 2025 staffing scheme got labeled as jobs-for-pals waste.
• COVID-era board vacancies left oversight nonexistent for years.

Reform demands are gaining momentum

• Stricter political-affiliation rules for board members got pushed.
• Merit-based appointments could replace political nominations entirely.
• A dedicated parliamentary subcommittee was floated for oversight.