Minister Plato announces new Chrysalis Academy Trustees.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Judge Deon Van Zyl and Businessman, Mr Solly Moeng, as new members on the Chrysalis Academy Western Cape Trust.

The two new trustees will join the current Chairperson, Ms Marlene Le Roux (CEO of ArtsCape), and Dr Don Pinnock (Criminologist/Photographer/Author) who has been re-appointed for a further two- year period.

All four Trustees embody the spirit of community and bring a unique blend of expertise, knowledge, talent and energy to the table which will not only benefit the Chrysalis Academy as an institution, but also the youths of this province who attend the Academy.

Judge Van Zyl, a Professor of Law and author of 9 books, has made more than100 contributions to legal journals and those on law related subjects. He served for 23 years on the bench in the Gauteng and Western Cape Judiciary before his retirement in 2008. Thereafter Judge van Zyl served a further 3 years as Inspecting Judge in the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services. He is a committed Rotarian and humanitarian, is currently the District Representative of the Council on Legislation of Rotary International and is actively involved in literacy initiatives and the combatting of child abuse.

Soweto-born Mr Solly Moeng, is founder of Don Valley - a Brand, Marketing and Communications Company. He is currently studying towards a PhD at the University of Cape Town (UCT) focussing on ‘how the nuclear industry integrates media in its crisis communications’. Fluent in French, Mr Moeng’s tertiary and professional careers have taken him to Canada, USA, and France. Mr Moeng has served in numerous top management positions with national and international corporates and parastatals, having led numerous teams of professional consultants to develop new Brand and Communications Strategies for leading corporations.

Chrysalis Academy, currently in its 16th year of operation, offers hope to the Western Cape youth between the ages of 18-25 by providing a 3-month residential programme.

The philosophical underpinning and uniqueness of the programme embodies ‘a holistic approach to youth development’. The Department of Community Safety is the main funder and the Chrysalis strategy is guided by national and provincial policies.

I welcome the new members to the team and wish them all the best as we work, Better Together, in the development and training of youth in our province.

I encourage youth and parents alike to make use of the services on offer by contacting the Chrysalis Academy for information and application procedures.

For more information on the Academy, call 021 712 1023, email info@chrysalisacademy.org.za or visit http://chrysalisacademy.org.za/ .