The Nasi Ispani programme in Gauteng has recently received a substantial allocation of R8.4 billion from the Department of Employment and Labour.
This funding is intended to facilitate the training of approximately 500,000 young individuals in specialized skills, ultimately preparing them for employment opportunities within the province.
On a recent Wednesday, over 7,000 youths participated in the initial phase of the Nasi Ispani Labour Activation Programme at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg.
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During this event, they completed forms with organizations that will be responsible for imparting the necessary skills to assist them in securing employment.
Edward Mosuwe, the Director-General of the Gauteng government, emphasized the positive impact of the Nasi Ispani programme, highlighting the successful placement of more than 95,000 individuals in employment within the provincial government sphere.
However, recognizing the substantial unmet need for job opportunities, the government sought additional avenues to address this challenge.
Mosuwe explained, “We found that the Department of Employment and Labour was running a labour activation programme funded through the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
“What this programme does is provide for the skilling of young people, where they learn skills and receive a stipend as they progress through the programme.”
In collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, the Gauteng government identified 482,000 skills training opportunities for the youth, extending these prospects to individuals above the age of 35 as well.
The significant commitment from the department is evident in the allocation of R8.4 billion to implement this programme, contributing to the national expenditure of R23.7 billion on labour activation initiatives.
As part of the initiative, unemployed youth were urged to register on the Employment System of the Labour Department, known as ESSA, on April 13 and 14.
While acknowledging challenges with ESSA, Mosuwe assured that the provincial government provided forms for the youth to complete and join the system, thereby facilitating their access to job opportunities.
Mosuwe elaborated, “These are fully accredited skills programmes, and the companies the provincial government has partnered with are responsible for recruiting in various sectors. They will facilitate the placement of these young individuals into permanent jobs.”
At the gathering, companies collaborating with the provincial government were present to engage directly with potential trainees.
The programme encompasses a wide array of sectors, including security services, town planning, technological innovation, cosmetics, beauty, industry, farming, real estate, textiles and clothing, finance, and construction.
The training initiatives cover diverse skill sets, ranging from computer assembly and cellphone repair to roles in the fuel retail sector, such as cashiers, petrol attendants, and merchandisers.
It’s important to note that the Nasi Ispani programme, introduced by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, has faced criticism from opposition parties.
Some have raised concerns that the initiative is being utilized to garner support for the ruling party. In response, Lesufi has emphasized that the primary objective is to combat youth unemployment, which is a pervasive national issue.
Lesufi has firmly rebutted the criticism, underscoring the critical need to address youth unemployment and create sustainable employment opportunities for the country’s youth.
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