In a country where opportunity often feels out of reach, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is once again stepping up to bridge the gap. With a bold target of reaching 40,000 young South Africans in 2025, the agency is launching new programmes, expanding its impact, and opening applications for fresh job seekers ready to build something real.
This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about changing lives—one young person at a time.
A Real Shift: More Than Just Numbers
Too often, we see big figures with no human face behind them. But when the NYDA says 40,000 lives will be impacted, that’s 40,000 real stories—each one tied to someone fighting for a better shot at life.
Through nationwide initiatives, the NYDA continues to deliver real tools for youth development. This includes:
- Entrepreneurship support—from funding to mentorship
- Skills training and vocational learning
- Work readiness programmes and internships
- Bursary support and NSFAS assistance
- Job placement services for graduates and entry-level youth
These aren’t just random interventions. They’re part of a broader, focused strategy—targeted at both urban hubs and rural towns—so no one is left behind.
Sipho’s Story: From No Job to Building a Business
Take Sipho Mthethwa from KwaZulu-Natal. Like many, he finished school and found himself stuck—no job, no prospects. He heard about the NYDA’s Business Development Support Programme, applied for a youth grant, and never looked back.
With a small tech repair business now up and running, he employs three others and has plans to grow.
“Before NYDA, I was just sitting at home. Now I’ve got a business, a team, and a reason to get up every morning. It’s not just about me—it’s about my whole community,” he says.
And stories like Sipho’s are becoming more common.
NYDA Is Hiring: Join the Movement from the Inside
The agency isn’t just empowering young people externally—it’s also expanding its own team. Right now, they’re hiring for both support and management-level roles. If you’re looking to contribute from the inside, this could be your chance.
Open Positions:
- Housekeepers (x3)
- Security Officer (x1)
- Manager: Facilities and Security Services (5-year fixed-term contract)
If you have relevant experience and want your job to mean something, this is the kind of opportunity that puts purpose behind the paycheck.
👉 Apply via the NYDA ERP Job Portal: https://erp.nyda.gov.za/jobs
Why Work for the NYDA?
Working at the NYDA isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. Whether you’re supporting logistics, helping design youth programmes, or managing facilities, you’re part of something that stretches far beyond office walls.
Expect:
- Meaningful work that directly impacts youth
- Job security within a government-backed entity
- Room to grow through professional development opportunities
- An inclusive team culture driven by change
For people who want their 9-to-5 to matter—this is it.
Why the NYDA Matters Now More Than Ever
It’s no secret—youth unemployment in South Africa is still sky-high. According to StatsSA, many aged 15–34 are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). That’s a crisis, not just a statistic.
The NYDA is one of the few institutions actively tackling this head-on. In 2025 alone, it has:
- Expanded training hubs into rural areas
- Launched support for women-led youth businesses
- Rolled out mobile access points for easier programme registration
They’re not handing out hope—they’re building it.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re a young person looking for a chance, a professional ready to join the mission, or an organization wanting to make an impact, there are different ways to plug in.
If You’re a Young Job Seeker:
- Visit your nearest NYDA branch for support
- Apply for business funding or skills training
- Stay active on NYDA social platforms for new opportunities
If You’re an Employer or Partner:
- Work with the NYDA to place interns or host workshops
- Offer mentorship to young entrepreneurs
- Collaborate on community development initiatives
What’s Ahead for 2026?
The agency isn’t slowing down. In the pipeline:
- A digital skills academy focused on township youth
- Expansion of YouthBuild SA into green construction fields
- Better inclusion for youth living with disabilities
NYDA’s roadmap for 2026 shows one clear direction: forward. With more targeted support and broader access, it’s gearing up to meet young people exactly where they are—and help them rise beyond it.
Final Words: Make Your Move
In a world full of empty promises, the NYDA keeps showing up. It proves that when youth are given resources, mentorship, and belief—they thrive.
You don’t need connections. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up, stay hungry, and make use of what’s available.
Because at the NYDA, opportunity isn’t a theory. It’s something you can apply for.
“Youth is not a time of life—it’s a mindset. And that mindset at the NYDA is one of bold growth, collective power, and transformation.”
Apply now: https://erp.nyda.gov.za/jobs
Explore programmes: https://www.nyda.gov.za
Find your nearest branch using the locator on the NYDA website.