Gauteng govt aims to use second phase of Nasi Ispani to cut reliance on tender system

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng government wants to use the second phase of its Nasi Ispani programme to reduce its reliance on existing tendering systems.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi launched the second phase of the mass recruitment initiative at the Change Bible Church in Katlehong on Thursday.

This phase will specifically recruit and train young people for skills development in construction, automotive work and plumbing.

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The Gauteng premier said he wanted the province to move away from relying on tendering systems, which he believes are often at the heart of corruption.

Lesufi emphasised that the government should focus on building state capacity rather than spending millions on external service providers for basic tasks.

He added that this phase of the Nasi Ispani programme aimed to ensure the provincial government had the necessary human resources to manage tasks independently.

"This government relies on a wrong method called tenders and these tenders created problems for all of us. So, if you’re unemployed and need opportunities, the time is now to pay people that will train you."

However, the programme has not been without difficulties, with reports highlighting several challenges.

These include delays in beneficiary payments and budgetary constraints.