Gauteng moves to revive Nasi Ispani training programme after procurement irregularities

By Charmaine Ndlela

The Gauteng Provincial Government says it is taking corrective action to revive the stalled Nasi Ispani Solar Technician Training Programme after procurement irregularities halted its implementation, while maintaining that the broader youth employment initiative continues to create thousands of opportunities across the province.

In a statement, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the Solar Technician Training Programme, launched in 2023 under the Nasi Ispani initiative, was suspended after irregularities were uncovered in the appointment of service providers.

The provincial government said the irregularities were identified through internal oversight processes, prompting immediate intervention.

As part of the corrective measures, the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA), which oversees the programme, has been transferred from the Gauteng Department of Education to the Office of the Premier to strengthen oversight and speed up intervention.

The government said the former GCRA chief executive officer has been suspended and remains under investigation, while a