NYDA defends R1 million New York trip as ” strategic investment” in youth skills

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.