Abstract
Youth empowerment is one of the cornerstones of ensuring that South Africa has a population of inhabitants who are economically active. The South African government acknowledges the need for improving the economic well-being of the youth if it is to achieve the goal of eradicating poverty and destitution. Although there are number initiatives such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) that exists to manage youth unemployment, the reality is that these government programs have not halved the youth unemployment rate. Over and above, there is a gap between the initiatives developed to eradicate youth unemployment and the unemployed youth. This study examines the perceptions of young people on the effectiveness of the NYDA empowerment programs in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni Municipality. A qualitative approach was used to conduct the research. Primary data was collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with the participants. The findings reveal that there is not enough information circulating in Tsakane township about the purpose of the NYDA in addressing youth unemployment. In addition, the study demonstrates that there is limited to none existence of robust engagement between the youth, government, adults and the NYDA. This lack of communication between these stakeholders makes it difficult for the public to hold the agency accountable. Furthermore, the study establishes that the challenges faced by the NYDA and young people have negative implications on the call for youth development and empowerment. The study recommends that the NYDA must increase its reach; improve its effectiveness and relevance by using traditional forms of community engagement and community outreach. Moreover, the NYDA should create a partnership with local government and local leaders to build up a network that could be used to increase the agency’s presence and legitimacy with the youth. This partnership can be used in conjunction with traditional forms of engagements.
M.A. (Development Studies)