The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng welcomes the pronouncement by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi to relaunch the Nasi Ispani programme to benefit young people in the province. Whilst we welcome this pronouncement, we are mindful that these are not decent jobs but with the economic stagnation and high unemployment rate any job created is welcomed.

In the mist of the pronouncement by the Premier, we have noted opposition from some political parties and in particular the Democratic Alliance (DA), rubbishing the announcement because the initial program collapsed amidst budgetary constraints that might have caused service delivery in other areas like social development.

COSATU in Gauteng calls for all parties in the legislature to support the program and monitor its implementation rather than throwing the baby with the bath water for political point scoring at the expense of the unemployed youth.  

The Federation will request a meeting with the Premier to discuss amongst others, the recruitment processes, budget for the program and where it is derived from, the duration of the program and how it will benefit the participants.

Issued by COSATU Gauteng

Provincial Chairperson (Amos Monyela): 079 493 5002

Provincial Secretary (Louisah Modikwe): 066 182 2402/082 297 2659