Gauteng’s Revised R172.3bn Budget Prioritises Youth Employment, Township Economy and Infrastructure Development
Nas’iSpani Youth Employment Drive: In a determined push to tackle Gauteng’s stubborn youth unemployment crisis, Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s office has secured an additional R50 million in the re-tabled 2025/26 provincial budget, taking its allocation up to a substantial R1.72 billion. The boost is directed primarily at the province’s flagship Nas’iSpani youth employment initiative, an ambitious project led by the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA).
This announcement came on Tuesday, June 3, as Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile unveiled the revised provincial budget now standing at R172.3 billion, up from the original R171.4 billion tabled in May. The budget revision includes a significant R886.6 million increase, with a laser focus on resourcing departments that will drive socio-economic transformation in the province.
Tackling the Youth Unemployment Crisis
“Unemployment remains our biggest challenge, as evidenced by the latest data showing Gauteng’s unemployment rate increased to 34.7%. This inordinately affects the youth,” Maile stated during his address.
The R50 million injection into the Office of the Premier, specifically earmarked for Nas’iSpani aims to intensify efforts in upskilling, placing, and supporting young people in work opportunities across various sectors. With GCRA at the helm, Nas’iSpani has become synonymous with job creation initiatives and career guidance programmes for Gauteng’s youth.
This funding underscores Lesufi’s consistent prioritisation of the youth, signalling the province’s intention to match policy with tangible budgetary backing.
Boosting the Township Economy
In a parallel move to empower township entrepreneurs and SMMEs, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development has received an additional R100 million. Of this:
- R60 million will increase the loan fund for township-based small businesses (building on the initial R40 million).
- R40 million will support the department’s strategic economic growth targets, aimed at enterprise development and job creation.
Maile stressed that this support would also “lay the groundwork for unlocking the investment pledges made at the Gauteng Investment Conference.”
Other Key Allocations in the Re-Tabled Budget
Human Settlements – R332 million
- R100 million will go toward securing land and structures to prevent land invasions.
- The remaining allocation is set to improve sanitation services in informal settlements.
Roads and Transport – R314.9 million
- R150 million to fast-track repairs and completion of 54 critical roads.
- R115 million will address broken traffic and streetlights, improving road safety and night-time mobility.
Environment – R68 million
- R50 million to launch the “clean and green” programme with municipalities.
- R18 million for enhancing governance and operational capacity in the newly formed Department of Environment.
Maile said these funds are designed to uplift the “lived experience” of Gauteng residents by promoting cleaner, safer, and more efficient urban spaces.
Stable Budgets for Core Social Services
Budgets for the Department of Education (R68bn), Health (R67.1bn), and Social Development (R5.4bn) remain unchanged—signifying stable ongoing investment in essential services even amid new fiscal demands.
A Budget for Impact
MEC Maile concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to building a capable, ethical, and developmental state, stating:
“The overall thrust of our budget approach remains the resourcing of critical social and economic programmes that form the basis of the social wage with our people.”
With Nas’iSpani as a flagship beacon and expanded investment in township revitalisation and infrastructure, Gauteng’s revised 2025/26 budget signals a bold intent to confront unemployment, stimulate growth, and improve lives—starting with the youth.
Also read: Ramaphosa Offended by Call to Scrap BEE Laws by GNU Partner Mulder
