Lesufi announces retention of Amapanyaza, hints more imminent job opportunities

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng government said that it will continue with all Nasi Ispani programmes that fall under its responsibility amid worries about the future of the initiative.

It discontinued its Teacher Assistants Programme, leaving over 30,000 young people jobless.

However, in a media briefing on Friday, the provincial government said it was forced to cancel the programme due to a lack of funding from the national government.

The programme comprises 11 categories, and only two are funded by the national government.

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The State-funded programmes include the discontinued Teachers’ Assistants Programme, which has been discontinued due to lack of funds, and the Crush Nolova Skills programme.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that all provincial-backed programmes like the crime prevention wardens would continue.

"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. in the next few weeks, we will make more announcements about genuine job opportunities for those who are unemployed in our province.”

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance in Gauteng said it would refer the whole Nasi Ispani programme to the Public Protector to investigate possible maladministration of public funds.