Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has relaunched the Nasi Ispani initiative “only for South Africans”, promising to employ about 45,000 young people in the next two months.

Addressing the relaunch, Lesufi, these opportunities were limited to Gauteng residents, who are also South African citizens.

Hundreds of unemployed young people aged between 18 to 35 were lining up in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, to submit their CVs to the Gauteng government.

The job seekers are looking to benefit from the Nasi Ispani programme, which offers training and employment opportunities.

“We have taken your names, we are going to check four important things before the officials contact you… You must be from South Africa, if you are from other places this is not for you, we apologise,” he said.

“I come to you with the political will to create job opportunities and end unemployment in Gauteng, I come to say we can do buildings. We can do ICT, we can do many other things, all these things were delayed because this government relied on a wrong system called tenders.”

Nasi Ispani is a Gauteng provincial initiative launched in 2023 by Lesufi to address youth unemployment by offering over 40,000 job opportunities through internships, public service placements, and skills development.

The statistics showed that over 90,000 people were employed through the job initiative.

It aims to empower young people and reduce poverty through state-led employment.

However, critics argue the programme is poorly managed, lacks transparency, and may be politically motivated.

Many participants report delayed stipends, expired or non-renewed contracts, and inadequate support.

Some opposition parties label it a publicity stunt by the ANC ahead of elections, questioning its long-term sustainability and actual impact on meaningful, permanent employment.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL News

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