Due to a lack of funding, Gauteng was forced to put on hold one of its most ambitious initiatives to combat youth unemployment and improve education. Launched with big hopes and ambitious goals, the Nasi iSpani Programme offered thousands of South Africans a chance to gain valuable experience, while supporting teachers and improving education outcomes.
The programme, like many other well-intentioned initiatives, hit a major snag. Lack of funding meant that 32,000 teacher assistants had to be let go. This affected both the participants and educators. This sudden stop caused frustration and worry about the future. After months of uncertainty, however, the Gauteng Government has announced that Nasi iSpani will be relaunched with renewed focus and financial backing.
The Nasi iSpani Programme – A Lifeline for Unemployed Youth
Gauteng’s high youth unemployment rate is a harsh reality for many. Nasi iSpani was a beacon of hope when it first began. This initiative was created to help young people overcome these challenges. It offered them jobs as teacher assistants. They not only earned money, but they also gained a foothold in the education sector.
Many participants saw the program as more than a job. It was a chance to grow and learn. It wasn’t about paying youths a salary, but about teaching them lifelong skills. They gained an understanding of the challenges faced by teachers and helped a system in need.
The programme was vital in a province like Gauteng where resources are often scarce. It ensured that classrooms received the necessary support.
The Setback: Funding Challenges
The programme, despite its early successes and positive results, hit a major roadblock in 2024. The Gauteng government was in a tough position without enough funding from the national level. When the programme was unable to receive ongoing financial support, it forced over 32,000 teacher assistants to have their contracts terminated.
Impact was immediate. It was a harsh truth for Sipho, and thousands of other people. Sipho says, “It was tough.” One day you are excited about the future and the next you wonder what will happen. “It felt like all we had worked for was taken away.”
Gauteng Department of Education received criticism from the public. Critics accused the provincial government of short-term planning and poor planning. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and other political parties expressed their concern, calling the program a “failed electoral ploy.” However, the Gauteng Government admitted that it was a difficult but necessary decision.
Lesufi stated that “the sudden termination of the program was not something we expected.” We were determined to provide these jobs but financial constraints forced us to make this difficult decision.
Premier Lesufi, despite the criticisms, defended the program as an effort to create jobs. He said, “It was not about elections.” “It was all about giving real opportunities to young people.”
The Relaunch: A New Beginning
After months of uncertainty and fear, there is hope on the horizon. The Gauteng Provincial Government secured a R207 million one-time funding allocation in early 2025 to revive the Nasi iSpani teacher assistant programme. This new funding will allow the programme to not only resume, but also be more sustainable in the long term.
The relaunch of the program is not just another chance for youth whose contracts were terminated – it also gives the programme a chance to grow and improve its impact. The Gauteng Department of Education is committed to making sure that the program remains financially viable, and has a solid structure with clear oversight.
“We are aware of the challenges that we have faced,” said Premier Lesufi. “But we’re committed to tackling youth unemployment and improving the education. “The relaunched Nasi iSpani represents an important step for our youth, and for our schools.”
Sipho is hopeful about the future. He hopes to reapply. “I’m happy they’re bringing back the program, because I believe in it,” he said. “It is an opportunity to start over, to create something that will make a real difference in my life as well as the lives of others,” he says.
The Economic and Educational Impact
Experts are in agreement that the Nasi iSpani program has the potential to address both educational and unemployment challenges. Professor Thuli Mdonsela, an academic of high regard and a former Public Protector applauds the program’s focus on employment for youth. She explains that youth unemployment is one the biggest problems facing South Africa. “Programs like Nasi iSpani do more than just provide employment – they also give young people experience that will help them in their future careers.”
Professor Madonsela stresses, however, the importance of sustainability over time. She says that in order for such programmes to be successful, we must look beyond quick fixes to create sustainable opportunities. The key is to ensure that these programmes form part of a larger plan for uplifting young people.
The economist Dr. Alan Hirsch is in agreement, noting the importance of youth employment initiatives such as Nasi iSpani for a country that has a youth unemployment rate of 44.6% He says that government programmes can be a key factor in giving young people opportunities. We must ensure they lead to meaningful, long-term careers. Not only are temporary jobs important, but they also lay the foundations for a sustainable future.
Political Reactions – Support and Criticism
Nasi iSpani has provoked a variety of reactions in particular the political arena. While Premier Lesufi defended the program as a genuine effort to combat unemployment, the Democratic Alliance has criticised it because it is poorly planned and not sustainable.
Solly Msimanga is the DA leader in Gauteng. He argues that this programme was too short to have a lasting effect. He says that the failure of Nasi iSpani is a sign that government programs must be well-planned and implemented. “We must create jobs that are sustainable and long-term. Temporary solutions will not do.”
Premier Lesufi is unfazed by the criticism. “We are aware of the concerns but are determined to ensure that our youth have real opportunities,” says Lesufi. “The relaunched Nasi iSpani represents a positive step forward.”
What is Next for Nasi iSpani
What’s next for the Nasi ISpani program? The Gauteng Department of Education has yet to provide full details on the number of available positions or the application procedure. However, it hopes that this new chapter offers more opportunities to young South Africans.
Sipho sees the relaunch as an opportunity to rebuild his career and renew it. He says, “I am ready to go back to work.” “Nasi ISpani gave me the start, and now I’m ready to move on.”
A Brighter Future Ahead
Nasi iSpani’s Teacher Assistant Programme faced many challenges. However, with renewed funding and dedication, the programme is set to have a brighter tomorrow. This initiative provides much-needed employment and support for the youth in Gauteng. It also strengthens the education sector.
The relaunch of the Nasi iSpani program shows that, with long-term commitment and careful planning, this programme can be a template for similar initiatives in South Africa. It’s an opportunity for young people like Sipho to build a successful career and make a difference in their community.
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