By Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has put young people at the heart of the province’s development agenda, announcing a R50-million skills programme as the flagship outcome of the latest Executive Council (EXCO) Lekgotla.
Announcing the decisions on Tuesday, Lesufi framed the Lekgotla as a turning point in tackling entrenched unemployment, decaying infrastructure, political violence and housing shortages, stressing the launch of “Nasi iSpani Reloaded Second Version”, a major expansion of the provincial government’s employment and training drive.
“This programme is about building state capacity while reducing over-reliance on tenders and contracts that have caused project delays, unfinished work, and costly litigation. By training thousands of young South Africans, we are turning unemployment into empowerment and giving them the tools to actively participate in improving their communities,” he said.
Lesufi described the programme as both an answer to youth joblessness and a way of reducing the state’s dependence on private contractors.
Using school facilities during holidays, the initiative will train around 45,000 unemployed young people in practical trades such as welding, bricklaying, painting, and plumbing, as well as emerging fields like artificial intelligence.
Graduates will not only gain skills but also be deployed directly into public service: repairing broken traffic lights, restoring vandalised schools, rehabilitating cemeteries and maintaining other essential infrastructure.
Government agencies have pledged additional resources, and the premier confirmed that plans are in place to expand the programme into other spheres of social infrastructure.
He insisted that recruitment would remain community-based and politically neutral, ensuring that opportunities are directed to ordinary South Africans most in need.
With youth unemployment in Gauteng hovering around 46%, Lesufi’s address placed heavy emphasis on practical solutions.
He acknowledged that while short-term placements provide relief, they must feed into long-term pathways.
The premier cited the success of the recent provincial investment conference, which secured over R300 billion in commitments expected to create sustainable jobs.
He also welcomed private-sector support for training, with companies such as PepsiCo and Chair International pledging to participate, alongside international cooperation agreements like Gauteng’s partnership with Hunan Province, China, to boost agricultural development.
The lekgotla also grappled with the findings of the commission of inquiry into hijacked buildings in Johannesburg, established after the deadly Usindiso House fire.
The report revealed that poverty and a lack of affordable housing, rather than criminal syndicates, are the main drivers of unsafe occupation.
Lesufi confirmed that the provincial government has accepted the report’s recommendations in full and will work with the City of Johannesburg to implement corrective action.
The premier also warned of an alarming rise in informal settlements, more than 400 in recent years, which he linked to organised crime.
Relocations, formalisation and, where necessary, evictions will form part of the response.
Addressing security concerns, Lesufi revealed that Gauteng has experienced numerous targeted assassinations of councillors, officials and staff since 2010.
Following engagements with Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, a specialised SAPS task team on political killings will be launched within weeks.
The premier also announced plans for a new provincial unit to investigate infrastructure vandalism, particularly the theft of copper and other materials.
Collaborations with the CSIR will explore using alternative materials for streetlights and traffic signs to reduce vulnerability to theft.
Lesufi highlighted the province’s infrastructure progress, including preparations for the 2025 G20 Summit.
Over 97% of pothole repairs are reportedly completed, 88% of streetlights rehabilitated, and nearly 500km of grass cutting and litter removal conducted.
On transport, Lesufi confirmed that Gauteng will assume ownership of the R45-billion Gautrain system when the concession ends in 2026, with expansion plans under way to connect the network to Soweto, Mamelodi, the Vaal and other regions.
“These projects are not just about the G20; they are about leaving behind infrastructure that improves the lives of our residents long after the summit,” Lesufi said.
Lesufi reiterated the province’s commitment to tackling social ills such as drug abuse, particularly the scourge of nyaope.
The government plans to integrate health care, rehabilitation, and job opportunities into community-based interventions.
To strengthen accountability, the Executive Council will dedicate every Wednesday to direct community engagement.
Despite recent turbulence, Lesufi emphasised that the Government of Provincial Unity remains intact.
He acknowledged tensions with partners such as the EFF and PA in Johannesburg but insisted that dialogue and cooperation remain central.
Closing his address, the premier expressed confidence that the province is on course to overcome its challenges.
He pointed to the successful hosting of international concerts and the upcoming G20 as proof of Gauteng’s readiness to stage global events and harness their economic benefits.
Videographer: Sinike Somila Ngewu
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