The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) said it has noted the public outcry sparked by its involvement in music duo, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small’s Scorpion Kings music concert which was held on Friday.
The announcement of the Agency’s partnership with the artists, was met with mixed emotions and was lambasted by social media users, who accused the NYDA of being biased and ignoring young entrepreneurs who require funding.
The Agency however refuted the claims through a press release and sought to clarify its stance.
“The NYDA has entered a partnership with Scorpion Kings to expand opportunities for young people. The NYDA did not pay or provide financial support for the Scorpion Kings event. The partnership provides the National Youth Service participants (NYS) with exposure and practical experience in event management and related functions, while supporting the broader growth of South Africa’s arts and culture industry,” read the statement.
The NYDA further described the partnership as a “bridge to promote public-private collaboration in creating opportunities for young people to benefit and contribute to major entertainment events in the country.’
Despite the controversy, Kabza and Maphorisa received praises from fans for successfully filling up Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, featuring performances from Mzansi’s exceptional artists by the likes of Mlindo the Vocalist, Young Stunna and Thatohatsi amongst others.
Meanwhile, EFF MP Sihle Lonzi posted on X that while they applaud the innovative strategy of the NYDA to support young creatives, the party will be seeking clarity and transparency regarding the costs and criteria that was used to select the 150 youth who reportedly benefited from this partnership.
