​Lerato Mailoane
The Gauteng Provincial Government will launch the Nasi iSpani Reloaded mass skills development programme - a bold initiative designed to bridge the skills gap between the labour market demands of Gauteng and its workforce.  
On Wednesday, 3 September, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi will hold a media briefing to outline how the programme forms part of Gauteng's broader commitment to tackling youth unemployment and driving inclusive economic growth.  
In its current phase, the programme, which will be launched on Thursday, 11 September, will enroll youth in training across 71 technical schools, where they will receive practical training in key technical subjects to enhance their employability and economic participation. 
The programme seeks to prepare young people for immediate job opportunities and tackle the province's G13 challenges. 
The skills on offer include plumbing, electronics, woodworking and carpentry, painting, landscaping, including grass cutting, automotive, welding and metalwork, power systems (domestic), tiling and floor finishing, bricklaying and plastering
After completing the training, the beneficiaries will receive certificates.  The training is endorsed by industry partners with a strong potential for rapid employment or self-employment opportunities. 
Here are answers to frequently asked questions on the programme:  
1. Do beneficiaries receive a stipend for the duration of the programme? 
Beneficiaries will receive a stipend based on their level of education:
Grade 9-12 R1 200,00
Matric with Maths, /Tech Maths and Post Matric Certificate R3 000,00
The programme DOES NOT recruit graduates with a Diploma and Degree in this cycle (first cycle).
2. What were the selection criteria for the beneficiaries of the programme? 
The initiative targets unemployed youth between 18 and 35 in Gauteng who are currently not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET).
Beneficiaries were recruited using the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA) / Nasi iSpani Database.
3. When will the training be conducted? 
Training will be conducted on weekends and during school holidays from September 6, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
4. How was the recruitment process conducted? 
On 1 August 2025, bulk SMSs were forwarded to 78 686 Gauteng youth to determine interest and availability from the GCRA / Nasi Spani Database.
By 4 August 2025, 15 182 replied to the request by completing the responses form and indicating their interest in relevant training fields.
A list of respondents was forwarded to Scibono to commence the selection and recruitment process with 72 schools.
Schools commenced by selecting and recruiting participants according to the choice forms and training offered at the relevant schools.
5. Where to find more information about the Nasi iSpani training programme? 
Call Centre 0800 22 88 27
USSD *134*47472#
e-mail: support@gauteng.gov.za