Cape Town – EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has criticised Gauteng’s Nasi Ispani programme, which has a budget of R8.4bn to train nearly 500,000 youth in specialised skills for employment.
Ndlozi labelled it an “election gimmick” that would not provide sustainable jobs, comparing it to temporary election-time food parcels.
“Panyaza’s [Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi] program is the same as those food parcels that come out during elections and disappear after! Those are NOT jobs, as all will disappear after elections: We are not fooled!,” he said.
Panyaza’s program is the same as those food parcels that come out during elections and disappear after! Those are NOT jobs, as all will disappear after elections: We are not fooled!
We are a generation that can take NSAFAS & still Vote EFF. Why? ANC has NO proposition about the…
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) May 15, 2024
Despite this, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi defended the initiative, emphasising its role in providing real skills and employment opportunities.
He remained confident, highlighting the transformative impact on unemployed youth and dismissing criticism as mere noise while affirming the government’s commitment to action over promises, Times Live reported.
“We do this better. Weeks ago, they [youths] were unemployed and frustrated. Today [Wednesday], we handed them skills for digital migration. We remain proud. Our critics can shout as they wish, we move. Less talk, more work,” Lesufi said.
“You can’t get R8.4bn overnight. It takes months, time and resources. So, [employment and labour] minister [Thulas Nxesi], I don’t mind being accused of electioneering. It sounds better than being accused of sleeping and snoring in the office.
“These thousands of young people were unemployed, had lost hope and felt betrayed and abandoned by democracy. I am proud that the government I am honoured to lead is not making promises but handing over appointment letters to you so you can turn your lives around. We are not talking, we are acting on our words,” the report quoted Lesufi as saying.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
