Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, announced the provincial government’s plan to relaunch the Nasi Ispani skills training and development programme on 6 September.
Lesufi stated that government has set aside R50 million to train approximately 45 000 unemployed youth in the province.
WHAT IS NASI ISPANI?
The programme was launched in June 2023 following record-high unemployment in the province.
It made significant strides in employing young people through its 13 special programmes.
The provincial government designed the transformative programme to build state capacity and help decrease crime rates through job creation and skills development.
INCREASING THE FIGHT AGAINST UNEMPLOYMENT
The programme’s launch follows the recent release of the Second Quarter Labour Force Survey results, which recorded a 0.3% increase in unemployment in South Africa.
The increase jumpstarted unemployment to 33.2% from its initial 32.9% in the first quarter.
Gauteng recorded a 33.8% unemployment rate in the second quarter, placing the province sixth nationally and above the national average.
However, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape recorded the highest increases in employment rates.
HOW WILL THE PROGRAMME DRIVE ECONOMIC PRODUCTIVITY?
The skills training programme will provide training opportunities through internships, work-integrated learning and artisanal development in mining communities.
Lesufi told the media during a press briefing on 3 September that it aims to rebuild Gauteng and make the unemployed economically productive.
The programme will also include the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative programmes and fill public service vacancies.
Additionally, its Unemployed Youth Skills Development Initiative will enrol 2810 unemployed participants from technical schools.
As a result, providing the learners with hands-on and high-impact training in critical trades and public services.
It will also continue its previous initiatives, such as the Aga Lerona Road Workers, Sawubona Mhali Brigade and other internships.
Do you think Nasi Ispani Reloaded Programme will deliver on its promise to reduce unemployment in the province?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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