Disconnect Between Reported Achievements and Lived Experience Troubles Women, Youth and Persons With Disabilities Committee

The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities met with the leadership of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) to discuss the disconnect between their reported achievements and the stark realities faced by their target beneficiaries.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, 15 October, saw the committee express frustration over the agencies' inability to meaningfully address South Africa's persistent challenges of youth unemployment, gender inequality and the marginalisation of vulnerable groups.

"We are sitting here listening to these beautiful presentations, but when we go out there, we see young people standing on street corners, hopeless and desperate," said Ms Eleanore Spies, a member of the committee. "What are you really doing to change their lived experiences?" she asked.

The NYDA, which reported achieving 100% of its annual performance targets, faced hard-hitting questions from the committee. Ms Asanda Luwaca, the executive Chairperson of the NYDA, was challenged to provide more tangible evidence of the impact of its programmes.

"You're telling us you've achieved your targets, but the youth unemployment crisis only seems to be getting worse," said Liezel van der Merwe a committee member. "How do you justify these numbers when the presentation does not talk to the lived experiences, which is something that Auditor-General highlighted during its presentation last week?" she asked.

"Your reports are good, but we need to see real change happening in our communities," said Ms Meagan Chauke-Adonis a member of the committee. "How are you going to make sure your recommendations are not just left on a shelf?"

"We need to see more urgency, more impact and more tangible results from these institutions," said the committee Chairperson, Ms Lindelwa Dunjwa. "The time for excuses is over - our people deserve better, and we will hold you accountable," she noted.

The CGE, which reported a significant improvement in its performance, was pressed by the committee on the role and visibility of its commissioners. Committee members sought clarity on how the commissioners are contributing to the execution of the CGE's mandate.

"I don't think we ever said we want commissioners to act on their own programmes outside of the obligations of the annual performance plan," said Ms van der Merwe. "All we want to know is what commissioners are doing in terms of the strategic objectives and how they are participating in the implementation of the CGE's work."

Adv Sepanya-Mogale explained that the commissioners are now focused on providing strategic leadership and guidance, rather than implementing programmes. She said commissioners are deployed to the provinces to enable the CGE's provincial presence and to facilitate the implementation of the organisation's mandate.

"The commissioners are not doing their own projects, but rather they are enabling the work of the CGE by opening doors, engaging stakeholders, and providing the necessary leadership and oversight," said Adv Sepanya-Mogale.

However, some committee members expressed concern that this approach may not be sufficient, given the limited resources and human capital at the CGE's disposal.

"Why are the commissioners not leading more programmes and interventions, especially in the provinces where they are deployed?" asked Ms Spies. "With the challenges you face, shouldn't the commissioners be more actively involved in driving the CGE's work on the ground?" she suggested.

The CGE Chairperson acknowledged the valid point and committed to exploring ways to further empower commissioners to play a more active role in executing the CGE's mandate, particularly in reaching communities.

"We hear the committee's concerns, and we will work to ensure that our commissioners are more visibly engaged in the implementation of our programs and interventions," said Adv Sepanya-Mogale. "Their expertise and presence in the provinces are critical to our efforts to make a tangible impact on the lives of women, youth, and persons with disabilities."

In her closing remarks, the Deputy Minister, Ms Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, emphasised the importance of the work being done by the NYDA and CGE, noting that these institutions constitute 80% of the department's budget. She acknowledged the valid concerns raised by the committee members about the disconnect between the reported achievements and the lived realities of the target beneficiaries.

The Deputy Minister stressed the need for the NYDA and CGE to demonstrate tangible, impactful outcomes that directly improve the lives of women, youth and persons with disabilities. She pledged the department's commitment to supporting the agencies in strengthening their institutional capacity and reach, while also calling on the committee to continue exercising its oversight role to hold the entities accountable.

Yoliswa Landu
18 October