Nasi Ispani: Young people happy to get jobs amid claims programme is being used as a political tool

JOHANNESBURG - Some young people who have applied for the Gauteng government's Nasi Ispani programme said they are aware it could be used as a political tool, but insisted that what matters most is getting employment.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi on Thursday launched another phase of the mass recruitment initiative, which he said will create 45,000 skills development jobs within the next two months.

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Successful applicants will receive training and employment in fields such as plumbing, construction, electrical work, and the automotive sector.

Hundreds of young people gathered at the Change Bible Church in Katlehong on Thursday to hand in their CVs to the provincial government.

When Lesufi first introduced the Nasi Ispani programme ahead of 2024’s general elections, he faced criticism that it was being used as an African National Congress (ANC) campaign tool.

Once again, some suspect the timing of this new phase is politically motivated, with municipal elections around the corner.

But 30-year-old unemployed Martin Shabalala, campaign or not, all he wants is a job.

“I’ve been jobless for years. So, I don’t care about politics; I’m going to grab every opportunity.”

Lesufi said has also dismissed claims that this is a political campaign.

“You may think we’re doing this because elections are coming.”

He said his focus is to reduce youth unemployment in the province.