Nie Cele

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) Nasi Ispani job campaign is yielding good results and is what the doctor has ordered, that’s an opinion belief by Gauteng Finance MEC, Jacob Mamabolo.

This is an employment initiative that was  introduced by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi when he took office. This campaign is aimed at addressing unemployment and promoting access to job opportunities within the province.

BACK TO THE STORY!!! Recently Gauteng Finace MEC, Jacob Mamabolo told the packed Gauteng Legislature this job programme was making a huge impact in addressing the unemployment rate in the province, especially among the youth.

Mamabolo was speaking during his recent 2023/24 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement and Adjustment budget (MTBPS).

“On the jobs front, unemployment rate for the youth in Gauteng decreased by 0.8 percentage points from 48.91 per cent to 48.09 percent, said Mamabolo.

He further revealed that According to the Economic Barometer, young people, especially women,remain the most vulnerable cohort in the Labour market in Gauteng.

“Youth unemployment in Gauteng is a challenge that limits earning potential of youth, business growth and threatens social cohesion.”

“Honourable Members, while the unemployment rate is proving to be complex, I am pleased to announce that the unprecedented and most decisive initiative of the Gauteng Provincial Government jobs programme, also known as Nasi Ispani, is already making a huge impact in addressing the unemployment rate in the province, especially among the youth.”

The Finance MEC, also touched on the provinces economic growth outlook  arguing that while  Gauteng economy is growing, it is at a slower pace than in the previous quarter. “Gauteng economy is estimated to have grown by approximately 0.6% during Q2:2023, following a 0.8% growth in Q1:2023.

“Furthermore, the Economic Barometer states that 6 out of 10 sectors are estimated to have experienced positive growth in the second quarter of 2023,” Mamabolo pointed.

The Finance MEC also reminded the packed house much of South Africa’s finance and business services industry is concentrated in Gauteng.

 

“ Exports of services (like banking services) are accounting for a growing share of global trade due to digitisation. South Africa already exports banking services to the rest of Africa. As the continental economy grows, Africa’s need for banking services expands, which increases the market for Gauteng’s digital services.

 

“It therefore comes as no surprise that Gauteng is currently regarded as the premier destination for employment opportunities, as confirmed by Stats SA.

“Meanwhile, mining, and quarrying activity is estimated to have continued strong in, while agriculture rebounded strongly in the first quarter of 2023.”