Some unemployed Gauteng youth say they've lost hope of ever finding a job

JOHANNESBURG - Some unemployed young people in Gauteng say they have lost hope of ever finding job opportunities.

Hundreds of jobless youth lined up outside the Change Bible Church in Katlehong on Thursday to submit their CVs and copies of their ID documents.

READ: Lesufi says Gauteng govt plans to employ 45,000 young people in next two months

This is where the provincial government officially relaunched its Nasi Ispani programme, which aims to employ 45,000 people over the next two months.
 
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said his main priority was to tackle the high levels of youth unemployment in the province.

"I want to start with those between the ages of 16-35 first because I have to tackle youth unemployment. Those who are above this age, we are going to launch other opportunities for you. We’ll tell you."

As he addressed beneficiaries of the Nasi Ispani programme on Thursday, hundreds more stood outside in long queues, clutching their CVs.

Twenty-five-year-old Tebogo Tshabalala said he was trying his luck with Nasi Ispani, but admitted he had no hope left.

"I’ve been applying for jobs for two years with no success. I don’t think I’ll even find a job anytime soon, so I’m just going to apply for Nasi Ispani and hope for the best."

Successful applicants will be given two-year contracts, while others will undergo skill development programmes.