Tshidi Madia11 April 2024 | 5:12

Msimanga insists Lesufi’s Nasi iSpani introduced for political expediency: ‘There was never a plan’

The DA Gauteng leader said the programme lacked the necessary funding to deliver the promise of 500,000 jobs, adding that it reeked of desperation.

Msimanga insists Lesufi’s Nasi iSpani introduced for political expediency: ‘There was never a plan’

On 15 February 2024, DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga delivered what he termed the ‘true state of the province address’. Picture: Thabiso Goba/ Eyewitness News

TSHWANE - As Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi defends his Nasi iSpani programme amidst growing criticism, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Solly Msimanga insisted the project was introduced for political expediency.

Msimanga said the programme didn’t have the necessary funding to deliver on the promise of 500,000 jobs.

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There were reports this week that at least 300 participants have gone without salaries since they started participating in it in February.

Speaking in Pretoria on Wednesday night at the launch of the DA’s Rescue South Africa Tour, Msimanga said Nasi iSpani reeked of desperation.

“Ha ba patele le ho ba patela [He doesn’t even pay them]. It was never meant to make sure that they get the jobs that give them the decency, it was supposed to be for political expediency, because there was never a plan in the first place.”