The Gauteng Provincial Government welcomed the first group of the Nasi iSpani’s iCrush no Lova Jobs and Skills Programme applicants who have been successfully placed in various fields for jobs and training opportunities on Wednesday, 15 May 2024, at the packed Rhema Bible church in Randburg.
Addressing the audience MEC Lebogang Maile stated that the Nasi iSpan skills development programme was not an electioneering tool by the ANC government as the certificates awards coincide with the period leading up to the 2024 elections. Although the sceptics believe the opposite, MEC Maile made affirmations that the plan to empower the Gauteng youth has been long on the cards, strategically planning together with employment stakeholders from as far back as 2 years in the making. He proudly mentioned that as many as 100 000 people directly benefitted from the Nasi iSpani project in Gauteng. This day we signing 10 000 both young and old beneficiaries. The department of labour and Unemployment Insurance Fund, UIF targets those who have lost their jobs and overlooks job preservation. This is the first batch as there are 582 000 jobs created, therefore the young and old will be up-skilled. He reiterated.
He further mentioned that unemployed South Africans should register on the Department of Labour website that keeps the database of those unemployed and their skills level so they may benefit from the programme. He stated that an 8,5 billion has been injected by the UIF to help create jobs. The government works with the private sector companies to absorb workers, training them for sustainability with contracts varying from 12 to 36 months. A formalised structure with Service Level Agreements that see the government working together with the private sector companies.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi who is gradually attaining iconic status with his administration’s current endeavours to fighting unemployment has been winning the hearts of many as Gauteng’s most loved Premier whom many fondly refer to as “ntate Panya-panya”. He advised the young employment letter recipients that his detractors mentioned that this campaign was just another government ploy that benefits a few leaders in strategic positions, an election period stance, but turned out to be a real initiative backed by evidence of the companies that came forward to sign them up. The Premier however highlighted that the numbers are still fairly low, “we’ve got so many young people and unemployed people that need opportunities in our communities.” He stated.
Premier Lesufi emphasised the need for skilled individuals who will match up with the requirements of the 5th industrial revolution in the future Gauteng province. The various company representatives came on stage to hand over employment letters to approved learners that previously applied for the programme. Of the many services providers that signed the learners for induction into their operations it is remarkable that Blue Train group absorbed 15000 aspirant workers for employment. The Premier concluded by saying, “irrespective of any political affiliation all Gauteng applicants will receive endless opportunities. Whether anyone likes it or not, you’ve been hired today!” to that the auditorium caught fire to a frenzy of song and dance!
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
