Minister Plato Congratulates New members to Chrysalis Academy Board of Trustees

Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

I am happy to announce the appointment of three new trustees for the Chrysalis Academy, to serve on the board for the next two years.

I want to congratulate Ms Marlene Le Roux (Director: Artscape)on her appointment as Chairperson of the Interim Trust, as well as Dr Don Pinnock (Criminologist, Author and Photographer) and Advocate Nazreen Bawa (Advocate in the High Court) as the new members to the Board.

The new members bring exceptional qualities to the Board that will see the Academy prosper in the years to come.

The Trust is the governing structure of the Chrysalis Academy and ensures the overall strategic direction of the Academy through good corporate governance.

The changing legislative environment demanded a different governance model, one which is totally independent from the Department as its main sponsor. I, as the Minister, however am accountable to Parliament for the funds transferred and for that reason I have the authority to appoint the trustees.

The Chrysalis Academy set up in the year 2000, runs a three month youth development programme for youth across the Western Cape who: are not in employment, education, nor training; have a minimum Grade 9; no criminal record; and who are residents of the Western Cape.

Since inception, over 6 500 have graduated from the Academy. Some are now in various fields in society, like the SAPS, SANDF, in business, youth development and as Instructors.

I am delighted to have these independent trustees who excelled in their respective fields, willing to guide the Chrysalis Academy into a new direction and wish them well in their task of addressing the challenges faced by our youth.