​Thembisa Shologu
Premier Panyaza Lesufi has made an earnest call to the young people of Gauteng to take opportunities offered by the government to uplift families and communities.
Addressing the newly appointed Youth Brigades at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, which fall under the Nasi iSpani Mass Recruitment Programme, Premier Lesufi underscored the commitment of the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) to provide sustainable job opportunities for young people.
The Nasi iSpani Mass Recruitment Programme, launched in June 2023, stands as a pioneering initiative to address unemployment and enhance access to job opportunities within provincial government departments and agencies. 
Notable programs under its umbrella include the Solar Technicians Learning and Training Programme, the Green Army Cleaning and Greening Programme, the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Practitioners Programme and the Youth Brigades Programme, among others. 
The new brigades will work as teacher assistants at various public schools across the province previously enrolled under the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), providing administrative support to teachers. 
"The Gauteng government cares for you, and as you leave this building today, you must know that we are not just only opening opportunities for you; we are opening opportunities for everyone that is surrounded and next to your family. 
"As you leave this building today, you must know when you arrive home, and you look at your son, and you look at your daughter, you must say to them, your future is guaranteed because of the government of Gauteng and as you leave this place today when you go to your house and look at your grandmother and father you will say to them, the money that you used to borrow me, keep it to yourself, I will do it on my own for my children and my family," said Lesufi.
Premier Lesufi expressed heartfelt appreciation to the former beneficiaries of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) for their significant contributions to the 2023 matric results. 
He emphasised the vital role played by these individuals in maintaining order in schools and ensuring conducive environments for learning.
"Everyone celebrated matric results and forgot that those matric results come from your hands and that we must come and thank you. 
"They thanked teachers, learners, parents, they do not know the people that kept order in our schools, the people that ensured our children study, the people that ensured our children are busy at school is no one else but you, I say thank you," he said.
Beneficiary Asivile Masiza from Raymond Mhlaba School of Specialization said she was grateful for her opportunity as part of PYEI phase 4 as a teacher assistant. 
Asivile highlighted the transformative impact of her experience, citing lessons learned in commitment, discipline, and hard work.
"Working at the school has taught me a lot of lessons. I have learnt that commitment breeds discipline and hard work.
"It is only after you have stepped out of your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow and transform. Through hard work and dedication, I was selected by the school to be part of the SOS committee to assist and facilitate activities for the learners. Being part of the Nas' ispani programme has truly transformed me and my fellow PYEIs," she said.
Through the programme, Asivile was able to further her studies and managed to finish her advanced diploma from the University of Johannesburg. She is now planning to pursue a career in education as an educator.
MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane commended Premier Lesufi for his vision and dedication to empowering the youth of Gauteng.
"You once said to me, if they are not employing our people, we will. At first, I did not know what he meant, but now we can all see what he meant, that he is going to employ our people."
Chiloane urged the private sector to collaborate with the government in creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth in the province.
"I want to plead and urge, especially the private sector, to come on board. Gauteng province is a working government; it is a government that wants to change the people of its province; it is a government that wants to grow its economy and improve the lives of our people; come on board, let us work together; let us create jobs for our people," the MEC added.