Africa-Press – South-Africa. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has introduced Busisiwe Nxumalo as the first openly LGBTIQA+ board member in its history.
“This milestone signals the agency’s vision of inclusivity at every level of youth leadership and development,” the NYDA said on social media. “It is not merely symbolic but a clear representation of institutional commitment to ensuring that the agency’s programmes, policies and resources reflect the full diversity of South Africa’s young people.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Nxumalo and other members in July. Their three-year term started officially in August. Nxumalo was an advocacy and research consultant at the Southern African Liaison Office with a focus on human rights, advocacy and foreign policy. Nxumalo’s appointment comes as the country marks Pride Month this month.
“South Africa’s Pride tradition is deeply rooted in the struggle for equality. The continent’s first Pride march was held in Johannesburg in 1990, a courageous act of defiance in the final years of apartheid. At a time when homosexuality was criminalised and queer individuals faced widespread stigma and violence, activists like Simon Nkoli bravely linked the fight for LGBTIQA+ rights with the broader anti-apartheid movement,” said the NYDA.
Simon Nkoli was a South African activist who fought against different forms of oppression. He fought for those downtrodden because of their “race”, ostracised because of their HIV status and persecuted because of their sexual orientation.
Our efforts will extend into rural and peri-urban areas where young queer people often experience the harshest forms of marginalisation. No community is too far and no young person should be left behind.
— Dr Sunshine Myende, NYDA executive chair
The agency said it is committed to creating a society where young people could live authentically, thrive and shape the future regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or background.
“This legacy establishes Pride as both a celebration of visibility and an enduring protest against injustice, a symbol of resilience that continues to inspire the ongoing work for full equality and safety particularly in rural and marginalised communities.”
NYDA executive chairperson Dr Sunshine Myende said the agency will use Pride Month to highlight both inclusion and economic empowerment. “Throughout Pride Month, the NYDA will be present across the country, actively engaging in Pride programmes and providing business development support to LGBTIQA+ owned businesses,” she said.
As part of this effort, the agency said it has partnered with the Thami Dish Foundation, an established non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young individuals from the gay community. The foundation was founded by Thami “Dish” Kotlolo, a social entrepreneur, human rights advocate and creator of the Feathers Awards.
“Our efforts will extend into rural and peri-urban areas where young queer people often experience the harshest forms of marginalisation. No community is too far and no young person should be left behind,” said Myende.
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