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PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CONDUCTS OVERSIGHT VISIT TO THE NDA KWAZULU-NATAL OFFICE
The National Development Agency (NDA) hosted the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Thursday, 16 October 2025, during its oversight visit to the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The visit formed part of Parliament's broader oversight programme to assess the performance of entities within the Social Development portfolio, focusing on how the NDA supports civil society organisations (CSOs) that contribute to poverty eradication, employment creation, and social inclusion across South Africa.
During the visit, the Portfolio Committee met with staff members of the NDA KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office, led by Provincial Manager, Ms. Yolisa Ndima, who presented an overview of the NDA's provincial work and its various interventions in addressing poverty and unemployment. Ms. Ndima also highlighted some of the challenges faced by the regional office, including limited resources, which impacts on the Agency's ability to extend support to more community-based projects.
"We are fully aware of the financial constraints we have as the NDA, and my sense is that to overcome this, we will need to be very creative. This work has already begun as we ensure that we utilise resources effectively within the Social Development Portfolio. Our conduit work needs to begin internally, through partnerships with the Department of Social Development and SASSA," said Ms. Raphaahle Ramokgopa, Acting CEO of the NDA.
Ms. Ramokgopa was joined by Ms. Susan Khumalo, NDA Chief Operations Officer, during the oversight engagement.
Following the office briefing, the Committee visited one of the NDA-funded projects, Qalekhaya-Shining Star Primary Cooperative, located in uMlalazi Local Municipality. The Cooperative, chaired by Mrs. Phumzile Ntuli, has benefited from NDA funding to strengthen its manufacturing and food security initiatives, including furniture making, sewing for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors, and community food gardens.
Mrs. Ntuli expressed her appreciation for the visit, noting the positive impact that NDA's partnership has made in her community: "We are deeply grateful that the Portfolio Committee took the time to visit us. Working with the NDA has helped us create jobs, support women and youth, and empower GBV survivors to rebuild their lives through skills and economic opportunities."
The oversight visit reaffirmed the NDA's critical role in supporting grassroots development through funding, capacity building, and strategic partnerships that advance the priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).
For Media Enquiries:
Lonwabo Ganelo
0732950547/ lonwabog@nda.org.za<