Lesufi Relaunches Nasi Ispani Programme to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced the provincial government’s plan to relaunch the Nasi Ispani skills training and development programme on 6 September 2025, with a renewed commitment to fighting unemployment.

The provincial government has set aside R50 million to provide training opportunities for approximately 45 000 unemployed youth across Gauteng.

What is Nasi Ispani?

The programme was first launched in June 2023 in response to record-high unemployment figures in Gauteng. Since then, it has made significant strides through its 13 special programmes, aimed at employing young people and building state capacity.

Nasi Ispani was designed as a transformative tool not only to reduce unemployment but also to help combat crime by empowering young people with meaningful job opportunities and skills.

Rising Unemployment Rates

The relaunch comes in the wake of the Second Quarter Labour Force Survey, which revealed a rise in South Africa’s unemployment rate from 32.9% to 33.2%. Gauteng’s rate sits even higher at 33.8%, ranking the province sixth nationally.

Despite the increase, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape recorded the highest growth in employment opportunities, showing potential for job creation when targeted initiatives are implemented.

Driving Economic Productivity

According to Lesufi, the relaunch of Nasi Ispani is about rebuilding Gauteng and turning the unemployed into a productive workforce.

The programme will offer a variety of opportunities, including:

• Internships and work-integrated learning
• Artisanal development in mining communities
• Participation in the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative
• Filling critical vacancies in the public service

In addition, the Unemployed Youth Skills Development Initiative will enrol 2 810 learners from technical schools, providing them with hands-on training in trades and public services.

The programme will also continue existing initiatives such as the Aga Lerona Road Workers, Sawubona Mhali Brigade, and other internship placements.

Lesufi said the goal is to not only provide skills but also to restore hope for thousands of unemployed young people across the province.

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