The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has defended its reported R1 million trip to New York, rejecting claims of wasteful spending and calling the visit a “strategic investment” in South Africa’s youth.
The agency was responding to a Sunday World article questioning the cost of its participation at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025.
In a statement, the NYDA said the trip was not a junket but an official engagement at the invitation of the Ministry in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
The agency highlighted that the visit secured a partnership with IAMTHECODE, facilitated by the Ministry.
“This collaboration will provide 600,000 young South Africans with free training in Artificial Intelligence, Coding, and Data Sciences. Each training license is valued at $9 000 each.”
The NYDA added it will play a key role as an implementing partner, working with the UN Foundation, Unilever, UBS and others to reduce the number of young people not in employment, education or training.
“This initiative will build innovation capabilities for youth in future industries and enhance employability through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Design (STEAMD) education. It is an initiative widely recognised by the UN High Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment, UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the World Economic Forum,” it said.
The agency also stressed that the trip complied fully with National Treasury regulations and internal cost-containment measures, with the CEO excluded to reduce costs.
“The carefully considered team, comprising the Executive Chairperson, Executive Deputy Chairperson and three officials providing essential technical and policy support, was kept to the minimum required for effective representation,” it added.
Beyond IAMTHECODE, the NYDA said its UNGA engagement embedded South Africa’s youth priorities in international funding frameworks and delivered measurable value that outweighs the cost. The agency urged the media to report objectively.
However, the trip is now facing parliamentary scrutiny.
Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson Angel Khanyile confirmed the party will submit parliamentary questions on the expenditure.
“The DA will be submitting parliamentary questions on the reported R1 million NYDA trip to New York, and we will probe this matter until full answers are provided.”
Khanyile said the DA is alarmed by reports that the NYDA spent such a large sum on a delegation trip to UNGA, highlighting concerns over business-class flights, luxury accommodation, and activities that seem to provide little tangible benefit to South Africa’s unemployed youth.
She referenced the President’s recent State of the Nation Address, noting youth unemployment remains a national crisis. She added that public funds must serve the public interest.
“The DA will continue to pursue this matter through all available oversight mechanisms to ensure full transparency and accountability. At a time when government has committed itself to expanding opportunities for young people, every spending decision must be able to stand up to scrutiny. South Africa’s young people deserve an agency that is fully focused on their future and on expanding real opportunities,” she said.
The Star