News that the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) will partner with DJ Zinhle for her Zee Nation Fest has ruffled feathers.
The event, on August 9, marks a milestone in DJ Zinhle’s 20-year career and will see the most iconic musical acts come together in a festival setting.
NYDA shared on X, (formerly Twitter) a collaboration between itself and the renowned DJ and businesswoman.
This partnership NYDA said, “seeks to empower young people by offering them experience.”
It added that the select group of participants would gain skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
[MEDIA ALERT] NYDA JOINS HANDS WITH @DJZinhle FOR YOUTH OPPORTUNITY PLACEMENT AT ZEE
NATION FESTIVALThe @ZeeNationFest and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) are
pleased to announce collaboration partnership aimed to providing valuable skills
development… pic.twitter.com/18qRHI1gRl— NYDARSA (@NYDARSA) July 15, 2024
Well here lies the rub!! DJ Zinhle, real name Ntombezinhle Jiyane, recently said: “The one thing about the SA youth is that they are not just unemployed but a lot of them are unemployable. They don’t have the skill that is required.”
These comments came as she said her company Era by DJ Zinhle was struggling to employ staff for their new branch in Witbank.
The renowned entrepreneur was lambasted on social media and sought to explain her true intention with her comments.
I’m glad we are talking about this.
Firstly. I apologize if I offended anyone.
I wasn’t attacking the youth at all, as a small business owner I do employ & train people, but this doesn’t even start to solve the problems we are facing as the South African youth. I could do more…
— #ERAbyDJZinhle #ZeeNation (@DJZinhle) May 19, 2024
@therealdjzinhleAgain, I apologize to everyone who felt offended. Hope this makes sense.♬ original sound – DJZinhle
Peeps reacted with dismay to NYDA’s announcement.
@itumeleng_ba said: “hao I thought we all agreed nobody wants this? Wasn’t Zinhle saying we’re unemployable or something of the sort?”
hao I thought we all agreed nobody wants this? Wasn’t Zinhle saying we’re unemployable or something of the sort?
— Itumeleng (@itumeleng_ba) July 15, 2024
NYDA then went on to explain their decision.
[MEDIA ALERT] NYDA JOINS HANDS WITH @DJZinhle FOR YOUTH OPPORTUNITY PLACEMENT AT ZEE
NATION FESTIVALThe @ZeeNationFest and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) are
pleased to announce collaboration partnership aimed to providing valuable skills
development… pic.twitter.com/18qRHI1gRl— NYDARSA (@NYDARSA) July 15, 2024
@MissMahlengy added: “Just say you are one of the key sponsors for this event, it’s not a partnership. Guys, c’mon. You cannot be taking SA’ns for a ride like this.
Just say you are one of the key sponsors for this event, it’s not a partnership. Guys, c’mon. You cannot be taking SA’ns for a ride like this ??
— MaDube (@MissMahlengy) July 16, 2024
But NYDA, with a graphic, broke things down to show clarity.
Good Day, this is a non-financial partnership to aid our young people interested in the arts find long term opportunities of employment once they conclude their NYS Cycle. pic.twitter.com/YbSeUFVwTQ
— NYDARSA (@NYDARSA) July 16, 2024
Words: Fame Frenzy
