Claims that the Nasi iSpani programme has been cancelled have been dismissed by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. He calls them spiteful, fictitious, and without foundation.
This comes after rumours on social media alleging that Nasi iSpani, a mass recruitment programme that he initiated, has terminated the contracts of those employed under it.
The allegations stem from an internal departmental circular that was leaked. It was intended for Green Army EPWP members. The circular informed them that their one-year contract was up in May 2024.
In a statement he issued on Thursday, Lesufi said the public has mistaken the EPWP Green Army for the Gauteng Traffic Wardens.
Programme that’s ending is not part of Nasi iSpani
“The one-year Green Army EPWP programme was launched in May 2023. And 6,000 beneficiaries were recruited to assist communities. They assisted in establishing food gardens and general environment maintenance,” said Lesufi.
“At the end of the 6th administration, we established a task team to take stock of all the contracts that were coming to an end. Since being elected as the premier in the 7th administration, a report was presented and adopted. It focused on how we would manage the contracts that are coming to an end,” said Lesufi.
He assured the beneficiaries of the programme that it is still active.
“We wish to allay all Nasi iSpani beneficiaries’ fears that this groundbreaking initiative is still very much intact. [The province] remains resolute in our endeavour to address the challenge of unemployment in our province,” he added.
Budget reprioritisation
According to Lesufi, the GPG has implemented targeted budget reprioritisation and effectiveness. This is in line with National Treasury’s recommendations and the provincial government’s desired outcomes. Including accommodating personnel costs.
“A standardised formula has been adopted for contract extensions for all Nasi’ Ispani programme beneficiaries. Including Green Army EPWP beneficiaries.
“In April 2024, the Nasi iSpani programme was amplified with the launch of the iCrush NoLova Jobs and Skills Programme. It offers skills development, training, and meaningful job opportunities in partnership with the Department of Labour.”
