Panyaza Lesufi says claims that Nasi iSpani has collapsed are false, malicious

Johnathan Paoli

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi has denied allegations that the Nasi iSpani programme was discontinued and described the reports circulating on social media as baseless, false and malicious.

Lesufi’s response comes after a leaked internal circular from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development meant for the Green Army EPWP participants, informing them that their 1-year contract ended in May.

“We wish to allay all Nasi iSpani beneficiaries’ fears that this groundbreaking initiative is still very much intact. We remain resolute in our endeavour to address the challenge of unemployment in our province,” Lesufi said.

The Premier said the rumours have confused the Gauteng Traffic Wardens, who are responsible for community safety in the province, with the EPWP Green Army who are responsible for waste removal and cleaning up the environment.

He said since its inception, the Nasi iSpani programme had thousands of unemployed Gauteng residents absorbed across government