The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has welcomed the age restriction set by the Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu for access to free public housing.
“Allowing youth below the age of 35 to access free housing will only create further dependency and negate efforts at national development and building a productive youth population,” NYDA Executive Chairperson Yershen Pillay said.
“Priority should also be given to the creation of opportunities for youth,” Pillay said.
She said the Department of Human Settlements had implemented a YouthBuild Infrastructure Development Programme with NYDA that enrols youth to build and maintain community amenities and RDP houses.
“These young people are involved in a YouthBuild programme for one year and then receive certified training in brick-laying, carpentry and plumbing.
“Many subsequently gain employment as artisans while others start their own businesses.” she said.
The NYDA contributed R14 million to the programme and Department of Human Settlements R16 million.
Last year, 3,788 young people participated in the YouthBuild programme and in June, 76 houses were built by hundreds of youth and handed over to the community of Lindelani in the Northern Cape.
http://sanews.gov.za/south-africa/nyda-welcomes-housing-restriction
