‘It’s a nice way to manage their feelings’ – Lesufi refutes allegations of Nasi Ispani ‘scam’

Panyaza Lesufi

Cape Town – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is once again facing accusations of deceiving unemployed youth with his job programmes, including the iCrush ne Lova Jobs and Skills Programme launched with Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi.

Lesufi and  Nxesi launched a large-scale skills training programme at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The initiative aims to uplift Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries in Gauteng through 55 labour activation programmes initially, expanding to a total of 105 programmes in the province.

Jointly funded by the provincial government, Department of Employment and Labour, and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), the programme will receive an investment of R8.2 billion from Nxesi’s department.

Despite Lesufi’s assurances of benefiting nearly 500 000 people, criticism persists, alleging the programmes serve as political PR stunts.

Lesufi has, however, defended the initiatives, asserting their legitimacy and urging supporters to disregard detractors, The Citizen reported.

“Remember those who hate our work have the right to also criticise us. We soldier on to better the lives of those who believe in us without fear, favour or prejudice.

“The campaign to delegitimise our efforts won’t succeed. It’s better to criticise us for doing something than accuse us of sleeping on the job! Our attempts are real. You may choose to condemn us, it’s your choice! Less talk, more work,” the report quoted Lesufi as saying.

He encouraged his supporters to disregard the criticism.

“Leave them alone, it’s a nice way to manage their feelings. We are vulgar proof. We move! Those who are benefiting from these programmes will be the ones to talk, not us.”

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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