In Conversation With Cde Mpume Sangweni
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Questions around governance, accountability and youth employment are once again in the spotlight after the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in Gauteng called on Premier Panyaza Lesufi to release the final investigation report into the Gauteng City Region Academy (GCRA).
The call follows allegations highlighted in eNCA’s Checkpoint investigation into the GCRA and the Nasi Ispani Solar Technician Programme. The programme forms part of the broader Nasi Ispani initiative, which was introduced to create employment and skills development opportunities for thousands of unemployed young people in Gauteng.
In a statement released today, the ANCYL says it raised concerns about the GCRA long before the recent media reports. According to the League, it submitted evidence to the Public Protector in March 2025 alleging governance failures and administrative irregularities within the Academy.
The Youth League has welcomed the suspension of the GCRA’s CEO but argues that the action came far too late, claiming the official had reportedly been under investigation since 2022. The organisation says this raises serious questions about why decisive action took years and whether accountability mechanisms within government are functioning effectively.
The ANCYL has also criticised the appointment of the Acting CEO, claiming the individual previously failed a lifestyle audit. The League argues that if government is serious about restoring public confidence, leadership appointments must reflect integrity, competence and transparency.
At the same time, the Youth League has been careful to distinguish between concerns over governance and the Nasi Ispani programme itself. It says it continues to support the initiative because it has created employment and skills opportunities for many young people, but warns that poor administration and political patronage could undermine a programme that many unemployed youth depend on.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has previously indicated that it is dealing with governance concerns through internal processes and investigations. Today’s statement from the ANCYL is likely to increase pressure on the Premier to publicly release the findings of those investigations and explain the decisions taken.
Ultimately, the debate goes beyond one institution. It asks whether youth employment programmes are being managed with the level of transparency and accountability expected when billions of rand and the futures of young South Africans are at stake
The call follows allegations highlighted in eNCA’s Checkpoint investigation into the GCRA and the Nasi Ispani Solar Technician Programme. The programme forms part of the broader Nasi Ispani initiative, which was introduced to create employment and skills development opportunities for thousands of unemployed young people in Gauteng.
In a statement released today, the ANCYL says it raised concerns about the GCRA long before the recent media reports. According to the League, it submitted evidence to the Public Protector in March 2025 alleging governance failures and administrative irregularities within the Academy.
The Youth League has welcomed the suspension of the GCRA’s CEO but argues that the action came far too late, claiming the official had reportedly been under investigation since 2022. The organisation says this raises serious questions about why decisive action took years and whether accountability mechanisms within government are functioning effectively.
The ANCYL has also criticised the appointment of the Acting CEO, claiming the individual previously failed a lifestyle audit. The League argues that if government is serious about restoring public confidence, leadership appointments must reflect integrity, competence and transparency.
At the same time, the Youth League has been careful to distinguish between concerns over governance and the Nasi Ispani programme itself. It says it continues to support the initiative because it has created employment and skills opportunities for many young people, but warns that poor administration and political patronage could undermine a programme that many unemployed youth depend on.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has previously indicated that it is dealing with governance concerns through internal processes and investigations. Today’s statement from the ANCYL is likely to increase pressure on the Premier to publicly release the findings of those investigations and explain the decisions taken.
Ultimately, the debate goes beyond one institution. It asks whether youth employment programmes are being managed with the level of transparency and accountability expected when billions of rand and the futures of young South Africans are at stake
