In a major announcement that has captured the attention of Gauteng’s youth and education sectors, Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed plans to relaunch the highly anticipated Nasi Ispani programme this June. The relaunch promises to create 32 000 new jobs for Assistant Teachers across the province, a bold step aimed at tackling unemployment and boosting education services.
Speaking at a media briefing in Midrand on Thursday, Lesufi highlighted the critical role the programme will play in uplifting young people, particularly in Gauteng’s townships, where unemployment remains a pressing challenge.
Youth Empowerment at the Forefront
Nasi Ispani is a provincial initiative focused on equipping young people with practical skills while simultaneously addressing the shortage of educational support staff in schools. The relaunch will focus heavily on recruiting youth from various communities across Gauteng to serve as Assistant Teachers in public schools.
“This is a major opportunity for young people who have been unemployed for too long,” said Lesufi. “We are committed to fighting unemployment by training our youth and putting them to work in schools, giving them valuable experience while earning a living.”
The programme’s scale is significant, with 32,000 new Assistant Teacher positions available, expanding on the previous efforts launched last year. Lesufi described this as the “next round” of Nasi Ispani, building on the momentum of skills training in welding, plumbing, tiling, and electrical work offered during the initial phase.
Addressing Criticism with a Clear Message
Despite its positive intentions, Nasi Ispani has faced criticism from opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA, who question the programme’s timing and objectives. Some opposition voices have labelled it a political move aimed at garnering votes ahead of the 2024 elections.
Lesufi, however, remained unfazed by the critiques, emphasizing that the programme is not about political gain but about real social impact.
“The people criticising us understand the effectiveness of this programme,” Lesufi stated firmly. “We’re 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, youth are unemployed. So we train them, pay them, and get them working.”
He called for a balanced view that recognises the urgent need for employment solutions alongside infrastructure development.
Skills Training Expansion to TVET Colleges
In a new development, Lesufi announced that the Nasi Ispani programme will expand its training components to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. This move is designed to provide youth with accredited skills in trades like welding, plumbing, electrical work, and tiling.
“We already have over 1 million unemployed people across the province who want to be trained in these skills,” Lesufi explained. “By partnering with TVET colleges, we ensure that our youth receive formal qualifications that will help them sustain themselves in the job market long-term.”
A Boost for the Education Sector
The influx of Assistant Teachers will ease pressure on the Gauteng education system, where teacher shortages and large class sizes have been ongoing challenges.
“The additional workforce will support classroom teachers and improve the quality of education,” said Lesufi. “This is a win-win for schools and youth alike.”
Looking Ahead
The relaunch of Nasi Ispani comes at a time when youth unemployment remains a key concern for Gauteng and South Africa at large. By creating tens of thousands of jobs with a focus on skill development and education, the programme aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of many young South Africans.
As the relaunch approaches, Gauteng residents and stakeholders eagerly await the rollout, hopeful that Nasi Ispani will deliver on its promise to transform lives and communities.
Source: Lesufi announces relaunch of Nasi Ispani, promising 32,000 new jobs
