​Thembisa Shologu
The Gauteng Provincial Government is set to unveil the Nasi iSpani Recruitment Programme on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
Announcing the reloaded initiative, Premier Panyaza Lesufi said it will create 45 000 new job opportunities, with a focus on youth who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET).
This transformative programme, first debuted on 16 June 2023, is designed to combat unemployment, build state capacity, and deter crime through job creation and skills development across the Gauteng province.
Outlining the recruitment process during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Premier Lesufi said the programme is part of the provincial government's commitment to build the capacity of the state and avoid relying on contracts and tenders, which have created delays of projects, and in some instances prolonged court processes.
Nasi Ispani, he said, is not a panacea or a magic wand that will solve the problem of unemployment.
"However, its core objective is to build a capable state by hiring residents directly for public service roles, thereby reducing the province's dependence on external service providers.
"We have set aside R50 million as the provincial government and the various government agencies, who will put additional resources."
The programme will be rolled out in 72 technical schools for high-impact, hands-on training in critical trades and public services, including Solar photovoltaic system mounting, bricklayer's assistant, carpentry, ICT learnerships and training, and welding, among other areas.
The initiative will also continue programmes from the previous intake, such as the Aga Lerona Road Workers, the Sawubona Mhlali Brigade, and internships.
"After graduating, they will be deployed to paint our schools, fix broken traffic lights or broken traffic signs, repair grave sites that are going through difficulties, and many social facilities that need immediate attention.
"We intend to expand this programme so that it can cover other areas of social infrastructure upliftment that are needed in our province," said Lesufi.