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ActionSA is not surprised to learn about the collapse of Panyaza Lesufi’s Nasi iSpani job gimmick, immediately two days after the elections. ActionSA Gauteng has seen a letter from the Gauteng government informing “all Green Army participants” that their contracts came to an end on May 31, 2024.
This is despite the Premier promising them at Dobsonville Stadium that “he is going to make them beautiful." In a video that was captured in May 2023, the Premier promised them that he would add more months to their contracts if they did their work, which is cleaning our townships, informal settlements, and hostels.
Since inception, ActionSA has repeatedly warned the Premier not to use the desperation of millions of young people for his selfish political ambitions. Instead, Premier Lesufi doubled down on his gimmicks with the introduction of new employment schemes like “Aga le Rona Road workers” and “Sawbona Mhlali,” to name just a few.
It has become evident that these mass employment schemes were not created with the genuine intention of creating jobs but were the ANC's electioneering tactics. In a country with an over 60% youth unemployment rate, it is disheartening to see politicians playing fast and loose with the livelihoods of young people.
ActionSA believes the work that the “Green Army” is doing is not a project that must come to an end. It is work that should continue, and therefore, instead of terminating their contract, the province must consider employing them permanently.
Through ActionSA’s three Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) in Gauteng, we will prioritise advocating for the insourcing and absorption of frontline workers like the Green Army, Securities, and Cleaners. Our mandate is to fight to end the exploitation of these workers and to ensure that their dignity is restored.
Issued by ActionSA Gauteng Provincial Caucus Leader Funzi Ngobeni
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