ANC's Lesufi hits back at opposition claims of 'abuse' of Nasi Ispani initiative

JOHANNESBURG - African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng chairperson Panyaza Lesufi has dismissed claims that he's using the closure of e-tolls to rally support for the party ahead of the elections.

He was speaking to Eyewitness News on the sidelines of the ANC's campaign at the Anglican church in Kagiso on Sunday.

Opposition parties have also accused Lesufi of using the Nasi Ispani mass recruitment programme to shine a spotlight on his party.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has called the programme a "criminal activity", accusing Panyaza of hiring campaigners for the ANC. 

ActionSA's Gauteng premier candidate, Funzi Ngobeni, said they wanted to prevent Lesufi and the Gauteng ANC from "abusing" the government programme to only hire ANC cadres.

They've both accused Lesufi of using the struggles of Gauteng residents to campaign for votes ahead of the general elections. 

But Lesufi said he was not fazed by the criticism from opposition parties.

"What must we do when everyone's complaining about unemployment? Should we fold our arms? What must we do when everyone is complaining about e-tolls? Should we fold our arms?"

He said that Nasi Ispani had employed over 90,000 people already.