Dear Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs,

My name is Ngidi Nqoba Innocent, I am currently enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) under a program of Master of Social Sciences specializing in Public Policy. I will be completing and submitting my thesis before end of this year. My research topic is "The Local Government Youth Development Forum (LGYDF) Advocacy for Smart Governance and Youth Participation in Local Matters through Smartphone Apps: The City of Tshwane Case.". I hold two qualifications, both from UKZN: Bachelor of Social Sciences with specializing in Community Development and Political Sciences and Honors degree in Social Sciences (Public Policy) CUM LAUDE.

Personally, Interested in human development and would like to work on projects that mitigate issues that impede people's abilities to be and do desirable things in life. A firm believer that people should be able to aspire and inspire to being better or contributing members of society, that is what gives us purpose. Interested in being part of a team that understands that while economic viability of a business or organization is important but improving the quality of life of a community ensures sustainability of that healthy economy.

I started by Masters in 2018 but could not compete due to financial constrains. I have been getting petty employment opportunities and manage to secure the 15% that the institution required me to pay (plus registration fee) in order to be financial cleared. However, being financially cleared does not necessitate the override of my previous debt, and it will surely hinder me from getting my certificate upon completion; which will further exacerbate the situation of job search and employability from my side.

I hope this draft is reviewed by welcoming hands and that I am given a feedback.

Thank you for your time

Nqoba Ngidi
0640266788
ngidinqoba@gmail.com