Lesufi’s Administration
By Thabo Mosia
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched a scathing attack on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s administration, accusing it of failing to curb rising unemployment in the province. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Q1 2025, Gauteng’s unemployment rate has increased to 34.7%, with approximately 2.7 million residents now jobless.
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DA’s Critique of Economic Strategies
Mike Moriarty, the DA’s Shadow MEC for Economic Development, argues that the administration’s economic strategies and the flagship “Nasi Ispani” programme have not delivered sustainable jobs. He contends that the provincial government should adopt a more practical approach to fighting crime to tackle unemployment effectively.
“If you want to deal with crime, you’ve got to have better management of the police and you’ve got to have focused interventions that go after things like the kidnappings and the commercial crimes and fraud. And then with that, the syndicates that drive the violent crime that happens in our neighbourhoods,” said Moriarty.
He further emphasised the importance of reliable infrastructure to attract investors: 
“The other area is infrastructure. The investors want to know that you’ve got a secure water supply that’s going to continuously come without fail and electricity at the same time. And then there’s the problem of our roads and also the rail service. So you’ve got to deal with those.”
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Nasi Ispani Programme Under Scrutiny
The DA has been particularly critical of the Nasi Ispani programme, describing it as a “quick fix” that has not yielded long-term employment. The programme, launched by Premier Lesufi, aimed to create job opportunities for the youth through various initiatives, including the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).  
Despite these efforts, the DA claims that the programme has failed to make a significant impact on unemployment rates. In August 2024, reports indicated that over 90,000 recruits were left in turmoil as the Nasi Ispani programme faced funding challenges, leading to the termination of contracts and delayed stipend payments. 
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Premier Lesufi’s Response
In response to the DA’s claims, Premier Lesufi defended his administration’s efforts, highlighting key investments and reforms underway in the province. He pointed to an investment conference that secured R300 billion in commitments over 12 months, aiming to spur economic growth. Lesufi also noted that Gauteng recorded a net gain of 9,000 jobs in Q1 2025, despite the slight increase in the unemployment rate. 
Lesufi attributed the rise in unemployment to cyclical first-quarter shifts, such as temporary job losses post-holidays, the entry of new graduates, and migration into the province. He emphasised that the administration is taking immediate steps to combat unemployment, particularly among youth, through initiatives like the reinstatement of the Presidential Youth Initiative, the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, and the relaunch of the iCrush NoLova training programme. 
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Broader Economic Context
The rise in Gauteng’s unemployment rate is part of a broader national trend. Statistics South Africa reported that the country’s overall unemployment rate rose to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025, with 8.2 million people unemployed. This increase is attributed to job losses in sectors such as trade, construction, and private households. 
The youth demographic remains particularly vulnerable, with the unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 to 34 rising to 46.1%. This highlights the urgent need for effective and sustainable employment strategies targeting young South Africans. 
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Conclusion
The DA’s criticism of Premier Lesufi’s administration underscores the challenges Gauteng faces in addressing unemployment. While the provincial government has initiated programmes like Nasi Ispani to tackle joblessness, questions remain about their long-term effectiveness and sustainability. As economic pressures mount, the need for comprehensive strategies that address crime, infrastructure, and investor confidence becomes increasingly critical to reversing the unemployment trend in Gauteng. 
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 104 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: DA’s Helen Zille Accuses ANC of Using Employment Equity Law to “Shrink Jobs and Punish Business”
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