Unemployed youth, eager for opportunities, lined up in Katlehong to submit their CVs for the Gauteng government's Nasi Ispani program. Image credit: Ramushwana/X.
(The Post News) – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has relaunched the “Nasi Ispani” initiative, promising to create 45,000 jobs for young South Africans within the next two months. The announcement, made during a large-scale registration drive in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, marks the next phase of a provincial program aimed at addressing the high rate of youth unemployment.
Translating to “Here is work,” the Nasi Ispani initiative was first introduced in 2023. It seeks to give jobless youngsters between the ages of 18 and 35 access to training and work possibilities. The Premier emphasized that only South African residents living in Gauteng are eligible for these opportunities.
In a recent address, Lesufi highlighted the program’s focus on empowering the youth and building state capacity. He stated that the government would no longer rely on external contractors for various projects, such as construction and ICT. Instead, the province plans to train and employ its own residents to carry out these tasks, a move he believes will curb corruption and ensure quality work.
The relaunch in Katlehong saw hundreds of young people queuing to submit their CVs and register for the program. The new phase is set to provide training in various vocational fields, including construction, plumbing, automotive repair, and electrical engineering. Successful applicants will be offered 24-month contracts and a monthly stipend to support them during their training and employment.
Despite the renewed focus and the promise of new opportunities, the Nasi Ispani program has faced significant criticism. Critics, including opposition parties, have labelled it a political maneuver by the ANC ahead of upcoming elections, questioning its long-term sustainability and transparency. Previous participants have reported issues such as delayed stipend payments and contracts that were not renewed, leading to accusations of the program being poorly managed.
The Gauteng Premier, however, has defended the initiative, insisting it is a genuine effort to tackle the unemployment crisis. He urged applicants to take the opportunity seriously and assured them that the selection process would be fair and transparent, without political bias or the need for bribery.
The provincial government is collaborating with technical schools, TVET colleges, and universities to provide accredited training, ensuring that participants not only gain work experience but also acquire valuable, recognized skills that can lead to long-term employment or entrepreneurship. The current recruitment drive follows a previous successful phase that saw over 90,000 people employed through various placements, including roles as traffic wardens and administrative clerks. The latest phase will see 2,500 beneficiaries begin their training in Gauteng hospitals, government departments, and municipalities, with an additional 2,800 participants to be recruited for technical skills training.
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