It is with shock and sadness that the National Development Agency (NDA) has learnt of the untimely passing of Dr Zola Skweyiya. The NDA extends heartfelt condolences to the Skweyiya family, the broader South African and International community.

The NDA is an agency of the government of South Africa, reporting to Parliament through the National Department of Social Development, where Dr Skweyiya served as a Minister from 1999 – 2009. “Dr Skweyiya played a pivotal role in the development of the NDA in its infancy stage. He regarded the NDA as a catalyst in fighting poverty. The role of the NDA is critical in allowing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to contribute and advance government policy towards poverty eradication” said Mrs Thamo Mzobe, NDA Chief Executive Officer.

As an agency tasked by Parliament with the responsibility of contributing to poverty eradication, the NDA is inspired by the life led by Dr Skweyiya to build a South Africa where the marginalised and poor are given opportunities to improve their lives. It remains critical for the NDA’s programmes to advance the development agenda and ensure that through engagements with CSOs and NGOs, South Africa can become a nation free from poverty. Lala ngo xolo Tata!