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Daily Maverick
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Panyaza Lesufi's Nasi iSpani plagued by payment chaos while relaunch looms
Less than a month after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced that his highly criticised Nasi Ispani employment recruitment initiative would be relaunched, more information on the initiative's struggles to pay Expanded Public Works Programme workers has come to light. In 2024, more than 4,000 workers in Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's Nasi iSpani 'Green Army' project faced significant payment delays, with millions of rands having to be diverted from other departments to cover the stipend shortfalls. The revelation comes as Lesufi pushes ahead with a controversial relaunch of the employment initiative, sparking concerns about its funding and sustainability amid a fragile public trust in government programmes. In a written reply to a question from the Democratic Alliance in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, the province's Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, revealed that between June and November 2024, 4,716 workers in Lesufi's Green Army project were not paid on time by both the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of the Environment. Lesufi's Green Army project was launched unfunded in May 2024. According to MEC Ramokgopa's reply, the Expanded Public Works Project (EPWP) workers involved had previously been funded by a budget allocated to the departments of the Environment and Agriculture and Rural Development, which ran from April 2023 to March 2024. When the Nasi iSpani project ended abruptly in November last year (along with all other projects under the Nasi iSpani banner), it had already spent R73-million on the Green Army, an expenditure that left the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development unable to pay service providers. Additionally, another R59-million had to be diverted from the Environment Department between September and November to pay the stipends of the 6,000 workers in the programme. According to Ramokgopa's reply to the DA's questions, this was because the programme's extension from June to August 2024 for the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and from June to November of the same year for the Environment Department, was not budgeted for. 'Reckless' 'This reckless extension, which was not budgeted for, meant that the EPWP workers had to be paid from the goods and services programme. This has had a negative effect on all creditors being paid within 30 days,' Gauteng MPL and DA Shadow Agriculture MEC Bronwynn Engelbrecht said. In a statement released on Tuesday, 17 June, Engelbrecht said that her party was demanding that before Lesufi relaunched Nasi iSpani, the Gauteng premier ensured that 'there is enough money to pay all workers on time and that money is not taken from the budgets of other service delivery programmes'. The benefits that public works employment programmes create, particularly for young and marginalised people, have been well documented. They provide pathways into employment and education, effectively combating unemployment and poverty. However, for them to be successful, they have to be well-planned and adequately funded. In cases where they are not, as with Nasi iSpani, the job programmes fall short of providing the long-term security and skills development that young people need to build sustainable livelihoods. 'Demoralising' Adam Cooper, researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), told Daily Maverick that while employment programmes act as a lifeline for young people, they can be deeply demoralising when not implemented properly. 'To many young people, the money they get from public employment programmes is a kind of security for them while they are also fighting the war [on poverty and unemployment] on a bunch of other fronts. If that money doesn't come in, it can be very disheartening to young people and frustrating for them to keep trying to find employment,' Cooper said. In South Africa's current sociopolitical climate, the relationship between people and the state was very fragile, he said, adding that confidence in government programmes was already low, and when promised opportunities turned out to be unreliable, it further eroded trust. 'If programmes are advertised and then they don't pay, it can be very damaging to people having confidence that the government is trying to support them,' Cooper said. The challenges highlighted by Cooper — such as late payments, poor planning and the erosion of trust between young people and government — underscore the need for a more reliable and accountable approach to public employment programmes. In response to these issues, the DA's Engelbrecht said that 'a DA-led Gauteng provincial government will not implement any job creation programme without first ensuring that there is a sufficient budget for the programme. Our unemployed residents need a government that is willing to ensure that they are paid on time for services rendered and do not have to wait longer than the payment date stated in their contracts.' Nasi iSpani 2.0 concerns arise The ball is already rolling on the relaunch of Nasi iSpani, despite heavy criticism from within the African National Congress (ANC) and from opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters and ActionSA. In May, Lesufi announced that his employment drive, which has been labelled an 'electioneering gimmick' by critics, would receive a second instalment, this time focusing on placing teacher assistants in schools across the province. This instalment of the programme aims to create 40,000 jobs, and while it has been welcomed by the Congress of South African Trade Unions, it has come under fire from parties such as the DA. Refiole Nt'sekhe, MPL and DA Gauteng representative for Social Development, referenced an oral reply made by Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko, who revealed that – similar to what happened in the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development – the Department of Social Development had had to make a special request for R48-million to be reallocated to cover the cost of the stipends for workers in the Nasi iSpani programme. 'This confirms that Nasi iSpani is an unfunded mandate that expects departments to create jobs without funding to meet this objective,' said Nt'sekhe. However, during the relaunch of the project, Lesufi hit back at critics, saying, 'We are not doing this for political mileage; we're doing this to fight unemployment. On one hand, you see poor homes, incomplete infrastructure, and unmaintained roads. On the other hand, youth are unemployed. So we train them, pay them and get them working.' Daily Maverick asked how the premier intended to ensure the relaunch of Nasi iSpani was well funded, sustainable and did not negatively affect the programmes in other departments. Lesufi's office had not responded to the request for comment by the time of publication. DM
The Star
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
From legacy to action: improving the lives of today's youth in Gauteng
As we commemorate Youth Month, we remember and honour the youth of 1976 who courageously fought for freedom, democracy, and quality education, changing the course of our country's history. We remember the sacrifices and lives lost when they confronted an oppressive system that limited their potential. However, their sacrifices and struggles will be in vain if the living conditions of today's youth are not improved. The brave students who marched in Soweto envisioned a South Africa where young people would have access to quality education, meaningful employment, and the opportunity to contribute to building a prosperous nation. Today, as we reflect on their legacy, we are faced with the harsh reality of a youth in crisis that demands immediate and decisive action. Statistics South Africa's latest data on unemployment rates in our country is alarming and represents a ticking time bomb. The results for the first quarter of 2025 show that youth unemployment increased from 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025, which is significantly higher than the country's official unemployment rate of 32.9%. This escalating crisis becomes even more concerning when we examine the category of young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET)', which stands at a rate of 45.1%. This means that nearly half of our youth are not acquiring the skills necessary to participate and contribute positively towards our country's economy. In Gauteng, specifically, over 2.5 million youth fall into this category. For the first quarter of 2025, Gauteng recorded an unemployment rate of 34.4% with an expanded unemployment rate of 40%. These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent millions of young lives trapped in cycles of poverty, despair, and hopelessness. These are youth who wake up each morning without purpose, opportunity and hope for a better future. The much-publicised Nasi Ispani programme has not yielded the long-term employment solutions that our youth desperately need. The collapse of several Nasi Ispani programmes in 2024 left thousands jobless and further emphasised the programme's failure to deliver a lasting impact. The shocking truth about Panyaza Lesufi's project is that only 2 322 permanent positions came out of the 55 003 jobs that were said to be created, translating into a measly 4% success rate in creating sustainable employment. DA Gauteng has consistently stated that quick fixes and temporary employment schemes cannot address the structural challenges that prevent young people from accessing meaningful and long-term job opportunities. The province's continued battle with corruption, crime, infrastructure failures, and basic service delivery issues is scaring off potential investors and exacerbating the joblessness crisis. Industrial parks throughout Gauteng, which were intended to drive economic growth and job creation, are another indicator of the provincial government's lack of innovation, poor planning, and execution. Despite the Gauteng Provincial Government spending R134.9 million on upgrades between 2015 and 2018, these parks are characterised by deteriorating infrastructure and minimal economic activity. This represents a colossal waste of public resources and a missed opportunity. Instead of being hubs for skills development, small business growth, and entrepreneurship, these parks have become dens of crime and substance abuse reflecting the social and economic decay that now defines Gauteng. The education system which was supposed to liberate our youth and serve as a beacon of hope has instead become another barrier to their success. Despite repeated promises to address overcrowding in schools and eradicate dangerous asbestos structures, Gauteng learners continue to be subjected to learning environments that deprive them of opportunities to flourish and develop their potential. Many schools across the province lack the basic resources necessary for quality education and positive outcomes. Gauteng ranks among the top three provinces with the highest teacher vacancy rates, with 4,099 unfilled positions. Furthermore, the curriculum often fails to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the modern economy. For those fortunate enough to access higher education, this does not necessarily translate into employment opportunities. The consequences of these systemic failures extend far beyond statistics. According to research by Wits Professor Frikkie Booysen, approximately 51% of youth from poorer households in Gauteng express dissatisfaction with their lives, while 39% report feeling alienated from society. This widespread disillusionment represents a generation that has lost faith in the system and their ability to create positive change in their circumstances. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds attending under-resourced schools without access to sporting facilities like swimming pools, netball courts, and soccer fields have virtually no chance of developing into acclaimed athletes. Sports and cultural activities serve as positive outlets, which are particularly crucial to keep young people away from negative influences such as gang-related activities and crime, substance abuse, and risky sexual behaviours that expose them to the risk of HIV infection and unwanted pregnancies. The Gauteng Sports Department's decision to surrender R11.7 million that could have been used to construct multipurpose sports courts and improve existing facilities demonstrates a total disregard for the important role that sports and cultural activities play in youth empowerment and development. DA Gauteng has repeatedly raised concerns about the critical shortage and mismanagement of rehabilitation centres designed to combat substance abuse among our youth. While millions are spent on one-day events and photo opportunities, the DA revealed in March 2025 that the Gauteng Department of Social Development wasted over R34 million on preliminary planning for the Tembisa Rehabilitation Facility without beginning construction, leaving many young people trapped in the cycle of addiction without access to proper care. Our townships and central business districts suffer from neglect while municipalities teeter on the brink of collapse. Poor governance, lack of accountability from elected public representatives, rampant financial mismanagement, escalating crime rates, and catastrophic unemployment levels create an environment where young people become either victims or perpetrators of violent crime. Recent crime statistics show that Gauteng is one of the highest contributors to murder, rape and sexual assault, and other major crimes in the country. A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government will commit to prioritising the youth as the future leaders of our country. The youth represent the key to unlocking economic prosperity in Gauteng, and their potential must not be wasted through continued governmental incompetence and misplaced priorities. The youth of 1976 fought for a better future. Today's youth deserve our unwavering commitment to creating opportunities, improving education, investing in skills development, and building an enabling economic environment so that they can change their living conditions and those of the country. Solly Msimanga MPL, DA Gauteng Leader of the Official Opposition
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
From legacy to action: improving the lives of today's youth in Gauteng
As we commemorate Youth Month, we remember and honour the youth of 1976 who courageously fought for freedom, democracy, and quality education, changing the course of our country's history. We remember the sacrifices and lives lost when they confronted an oppressive system that limited their potential. However, their sacrifices and struggles will be in vain if the living conditions of today's youth are not improved. The brave students who marched in Soweto envisioned a South Africa where young people would have access to quality education, meaningful employment, and the opportunity to contribute to building a prosperous nation. Today, as we reflect on their legacy, we are faced with the harsh reality of a youth in crisis that demands immediate and decisive action. Statistics South Africa's latest data on unemployment rates in our country is alarming and represents a ticking time bomb. The results for the first quarter of 2025 show that youth unemployment increased from 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025, which is significantly higher than the country's official unemployment rate of 32.9%. This escalating crisis becomes even more concerning when we examine the category of young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET)', which stands at a rate of 45.1%. This means that nearly half of our youth are not acquiring the skills necessary to participate and contribute positively towards our country's economy. In Gauteng, specifically, over 2.5 million youth fall into this category. For the first quarter of 2025, Gauteng recorded an unemployment rate of 34.4% with an expanded unemployment rate of 40%. These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent millions of young lives trapped in cycles of poverty, despair, and hopelessness. These are youth who wake up each morning without purpose, opportunity and hope for a better future. The much-publicised Nasi Ispani programme has not yielded the long-term employment solutions that our youth desperately need. The collapse of several Nasi Ispani programmes in 2024 left thousands jobless and further emphasised the programme's failure to deliver a lasting impact. The shocking truth about Panyaza Lesufi's project is that only 2 322 permanent positions came out of the 55 003 jobs that were said to be created, translating into a measly 4% success rate in creating sustainable employment. DA Gauteng has consistently stated that quick fixes and temporary employment schemes cannot address the structural challenges that prevent young people from accessing meaningful and long-term job opportunities. The province's continued battle with corruption, crime, infrastructure failures, and basic service delivery issues is scaring off potential investors and exacerbating the joblessness crisis. Industrial parks throughout Gauteng, which were intended to drive economic growth and job creation, are another indicator of the provincial government's lack of innovation, poor planning, and execution. Despite the Gauteng Provincial Government spending R134.9 million on upgrades between 2015 and 2018, these parks are characterised by deteriorating infrastructure and minimal economic activity. This represents a colossal waste of public resources and a missed opportunity. Instead of being hubs for skills development, small business growth, and entrepreneurship, these parks have become dens of crime and substance abuse reflecting the social and economic decay that now defines Gauteng. The education system which was supposed to liberate our youth and serve as a beacon of hope has instead become another barrier to their success. Despite repeated promises to address overcrowding in schools and eradicate dangerous asbestos structures, Gauteng learners continue to be subjected to learning environments that deprive them of opportunities to flourish and develop their potential. Many schools across the province lack the basic resources necessary for quality education and positive outcomes. Gauteng ranks among the top three provinces with the highest teacher vacancy rates, with 4,099 unfilled positions. Furthermore, the curriculum often fails to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the modern economy. For those fortunate enough to access higher education, this does not necessarily translate into employment opportunities. The consequences of these systemic failures extend far beyond statistics. According to research by Wits Professor Frikkie Booysen, approximately 51% of youth from poorer households in Gauteng express dissatisfaction with their lives, while 39% report feeling alienated from society. This widespread disillusionment represents a generation that has lost faith in the system and their ability to create positive change in their circumstances. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds attending under-resourced schools without access to sporting facilities like swimming pools, netball courts, and soccer fields have virtually no chance of developing into acclaimed athletes. Sports and cultural activities serve as positive outlets, which are particularly crucial to keep young people away from negative influences such as gang-related activities and crime, substance abuse, and risky sexual behaviours that expose them to the risk of HIV infection and unwanted pregnancies. The Gauteng Sports Department's decision to surrender R11.7 million that could have been used to construct multipurpose sports courts and improve existing facilities demonstrates a total disregard for the important role that sports and cultural activities play in youth empowerment and development. DA Gauteng has repeatedly raised concerns about the critical shortage and mismanagement of rehabilitation centres designed to combat substance abuse among our youth. While millions are spent on one-day events and photo opportunities, the DA revealed in March 2025 that the Gauteng Department of Social Development wasted over R34 million on preliminary planning for the Tembisa Rehabilitation Facility without beginning construction, leaving many young people trapped in the cycle of addiction without access to proper care. Our townships and central business districts suffer from neglect while municipalities teeter on the brink of collapse. Poor governance, lack of accountability from elected public representatives, rampant financial mismanagement, escalating crime rates, and catastrophic unemployment levels create an environment where young people become either victims or perpetrators of violent crime. Recent crime statistics show that Gauteng is one of the highest contributors to murder, rape and sexual assault, and other major crimes in the country. A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government will commit to prioritising the youth as the future leaders of our country. The youth represent the key to unlocking economic prosperity in Gauteng, and their potential must not be wasted through continued governmental incompetence and misplaced priorities. The youth of 1976 fought for a better future. Today's youth deserve our unwavering commitment to creating opportunities, improving education, investing in skills development, and building an enabling economic environment so that they can change their living conditions and those of the country. Solly Msimanga MPL, DA Gauteng Leader of the Official Opposition
Eyewitness News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Lesufi's office receives R50m boost for second phase of the Nasi Ispani programme
JOHANNESBURG - The office of the Gauteng Premier has received an additional R50 million in funding, earmarked for the second phase of the Nasi Ispani programme. This is a mass recruitment drive launched by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, creating job opportunities for unemployed youth. Finance MEC Lebogang Maile tabled his second budget on Tuesday, including allocations to support the next phase of the programme. ALSO READ: Lesufi announces second instalment of Nasi Ispani programme The Gauteng government says the first phase of the Nasi Ispani program provided employment and income opportunities to more than 90,000 young people. This time around, the province is relaunching the initiative with a stronger focus on skills development and training for youth. When asked whether the province has the financial backbone to fund the programme, Finance MEC Lebogang Maile responded with a confident 'yes'. "In the 2025/2026 financial year, the office of the premier will receive an additional R50 million to fund Nas'ispani, a skills development initiative spearheaded by the Gauteng City Region Academy. Unemployment remains our biggest challenge, as evidenced by the latest data showing that Gauteng's unemployment rate increased to 34.7%." The funds for the programme come from the R1.8 billion that was not spent in the previous financial year.
eNCA
27-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
DA slams revival of Nasi ispani jobs scheme
KLIPTOWN - The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has slammed Premier Panyaza Lesufi for reviving the Nasi Ispani jobs programme. It aims to create fourty-thousand new positions. The party is criticising the move over the abrupt collapse of the programme in March due to budget constraints. It's demanding answers from Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko about the programme's financing. According to Gauteng Government spokeswoman Vuyo Mhaga, potholes, broken traffic lights, and all road infrastructure and buildings in need of painting are the problems that Johannesburg residents face.
