Panyaza Lesufi
By Thabo Mosia
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed the relaunch of the Nasi Ispani program, a flagship job creation initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities for 32,000 youth in the province.
Speaking at a media briefing today following a recent Executive Council meeting, Lesufi outlined key developments, including updates on crime prevention, infrastructure improvements, and service delivery enhancements. With youth unemployment a pressing issue in Gauteng, the relaunched Nasi Ispani program is set to offer hope by creating jobs and equipping young people with skills for the future.
The Nasi Ispani Program: Creating Opportunities for Youth
The Nasi Ispani program, meaning “here is work” in isiZulu, is a vital part of Gauteng’s plan to reduce youth unemployment. It targets young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), offering them jobs and training in sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. “The relaunch of Nasi Ispani is a testament to our dedication to tackling unemployment and empowering the next generation,” Lesufi said during the briefing.
The Department of Education is leading the charge by recruiting 32,000 assistant teachers to address shortages in schools while creating employment opportunities. “These assistant teachers will receive training and support to develop their skills and potentially pursue long-term careers in education,” Lesufi explained. Additional beneficiaries will also be employed in government institutions over the next 12 to 36 months, ensuring a wider reach.
In the past, the program has helped nearly 60,000 unemployed people find opportunities, but it has faced criticism for offering only short-term jobs. Addressing this, Lesufi emphasized a new focus on sustainability. “We want to ensure that our youth not only get jobs but also acquire the skills and experience needed to build sustainable careers,” he said. Community voices echo cautious optimism. Thabo Mokoena from the Gauteng Youth Forum said, “This is a step in the right direction, but we need to ensure these jobs lead to meaningful opportunities.”
Addressing Infrastructure Challenges
Lesufi also tackled Gauteng’s infrastructure woes, particularly potholes and road maintenance. The province oversees 5,400 kilometers of roads, but only 35% are in good condition. “We’ve got lots of work to do,” Lesufi admitted, announcing a R1.5 billion budget for immediate repairs. The government is working with municipalities like Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni to speed up the process, with a long-term plan to take over road maintenance coordination by the end of 2025.
The revitalization of central business districts (CBDs) is another priority. In Johannesburg, 12 illegally occupied buildings have been reclaimed through court actions. “We’ve resumed the work of the Presidential Working Group to revitalize Johannesburg’s CBD,” Lesufi said. The Kambule Commission, investigating building hijackings, will submit its final report by June, guiding further efforts across Gauteng’s CBDs, including Germiston and Roodepoort.
Additionally, Lesufi addressed the high cost of office rentals, which once reached R34 million monthly. A new Gauteng government precinct project aims to renovate unused state buildings through public-private partnerships, reducing rental expenses and centralizing government offices.
Combating Crime in Gauteng
Crime prevention efforts are yielding results, with 150 of 450 identified major criminals arrested. “The number of kidnappings, cash heists, and ATM bombings have declined,” Lesufi reported, though gender-based violence remains a challenge. Two of the province’s most wanted cash-heist suspects were recently killed in police operations, a move Lesufi credited to Provincial Commissioner General Tombeni’s leadership.
A boundaryless law enforcement strategy, involving municipalities, private security, and the South African Police Service (SAPS), has driven success. Operations in Johannesburg, Vanderbijlpark, and Vereeniging have netted arrests, including seven wanted suspects in the CBD. “Next month, we’re going to Vereeniging, and the long-term goal is to invade Diepsloot CBD,” Lesufi said, signaling a broader cleanup of high-crime areas.
Streamlining Court Processes through Mediation
To ease court backlogs, Judge President Dunstan Mlambo has introduced a directive expanding mediation in Gauteng’s legal system. With up to 85% of civil cases settling on trial day, Lesufi sees this as a game-changer. “This mediation process will help unlock service delivery and clear the backlog in our courts,” he said. The provincial government plans to support the initiative by applying to be “friends of the court” in related cases, despite some opposition.
Expanding Trade Opportunities with China
A landmark trade deal with China’s Hunan province will boost Gauteng’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The agreement allows SMEs to export products like nuts, rooibos tea, biltong, honey, moringa, and wine to Hunan’s 66 million residents without major barriers. “This is a game-changer for small businesses,” Lesufi said, announcing a delegation to China next month to finalize the partnership. Sarah Nkosi, a local SME CEO, added, “It provides a valuable opportunity for small businesses to grow and create more jobs.”
Good Governance and Accountability
Lesufi highlighted efforts to ensure integrity in government. A recent ethics report revealed officials doing business with the state, particularly in education and health. “The Department of Education has the highest number, with educators tendering for services outside the province,” he said. Lifestyle audits, conducted by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), have flagged issues, with one head of department (HOD) failing the process. Gauteng remains the only province auditing all senior managers, achieving 99.4% financial disclosure compliance and 98% vetting compliance among its 750 senior staff.
Celebrating Sporting Achievements
Wrapping up, Lesufi praised Gauteng’s sports stars. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the South Africa under-20 soccer team, Amajita, for their outstanding victory in Afcon,” he said. He lauded Mamelodi Sundowns for keeping the PSL trophy in Gauteng and cheered Kaizer Chiefs FC for recent successes, wishing them well in upcoming matches. Athlete Akani Simbine also earned praise for his 100-meter sprint on the global stage.
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