Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi
By Karabo Marifi
Johannesburg – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has responded to growing criticism surrounding the Nasi iSpani Mass Recruitment Job Opportunities Programme, emphasising that the initiative was never intended for political expediency but rather to create meaningful employment opportunities for the unemployed in the province.
Lesufi addressed the concerns in a media statement released on Friday, 9 August 2024, where he expressed disappointment over attempts to discredit the intervention programmes aimed at alleviating unemployment. “We remain committed to continuing with these programmes, as they are essential to our desire to eliminate unemployment,” Lesufi stated.
Programme Origins and Objectives
The Nasi iSpani programme, initially introduced by the national government in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Presidential Youth Initiative, was designed to employ young people as teacher assistants in schools across the country. The programme was renewed annually until it was terminated in 2023. Following its termination, the Gauteng Provincial Government stepped in to protect these young people until the national government could provide further guidance.
Lesufi made it clear that the provincial government’s intervention was not for political gain. “Our stepping-in was not for political expediency but a genuine attempt to protect these young people who played a crucial role in achieving our Matric results,” he noted.
Response to Public Criticism
The Democratic Alliance (DA) recently referred the Nasi iSpani programme and Premier Lesufi to the Public Protector, alleging that the programme was being used as a political tool. The DA’s concerns were primarily focused on the lack of transparency and the potential misuse of public funds.
In his statement, Lesufi acknowledged the criticism but reiterated that the programme was never intended as a vote-catching ploy. “Our Nasi iSpani programme was not a vote-catching ploy but a genuine attempt to get employment opportunities for the unemployed; hence, we will continue with these programmes,” Lesufi said.
He also addressed the issue of protests by some beneficiaries of the programme, who expressed a desire to be appointed permanently. Lesufi clarified that the Nasi iSpani programme is a national initiative, not a provincial one, and that Gauteng had only stepped in temporarily while the national government was still rethinking its implementation approach.
Financial Support and Future Plans
Lesufi highlighted the challenges faced by the provincial government due to the lack of clarity from the national government on whether the programme would continue. “Unfortunately, the lack of clarity from the national government on whether this programme will continue made it practically impossible for us to proceed with the programme, which continues to hurt us deeply,” he explained. However, he confirmed that correspondence was received last week, indicating that the national government would continue with the programme and was finalising the model for its implementation.
Regarding the issue of non-payment to some of the beneficiaries, including those involved in the Green Army initiative, Lesufi assured that all outstanding payments would be finalised by next week. “Our team now assures me that all outstanding payments were settled. With almost 4000 of the 6000 beneficiaries paid to date, the outstanding payments will be finalised later next week,” he said.
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