Presidential Employment Stimulus (PESP)
Presidential Employment Stimulus (PESP) is a R11.0bn public fund announced by the Department of Employment and Labour / DPME under minister Nomakhosazana Meth. It is actively disbursing: R9.2bn (83.6%) has reached beneficiaries so far. Of 800 000 intended beneficiaries, 680 000 (85%) have been reached.
Announced
R11.0bn
Disbursed
R9.2bn
Undisbursed
R1.8bn
Beneficiaries reached: 680 000 of 800 000 targeted
The Presidential Employment Stimulus was launched in October 2020 as a direct response to COVID-19 job losses. Three phases have been implemented totalling R11 billion. The programme includes the Basic Education Employment Initiative (placing education assistants in schools), the environment and culture sector stimulus, and public employment programmes. Phase 3 targets 800,000 work opportunities. DPME implementation reports show reasonably strong uptake compared to other government programmes, though quality of jobs and duration remains a criticism.
The key question
Are PESP jobs genuine work opportunities or short-term numbers padding?
Official response
DPME Phase 3 implementation report confirms 680,000 work opportunities created across education, environment, and public employment sectors. Average stipend R4,500/month for 12-month placements.
Timeline — 5 tracked events
Phase 1 — R11bn Presidential Employment Stimulus announced
Ramaphosa announces Presidential Employment Stimulus targeting 800,000 jobs across education assistants, environmental protection, arts and culture, and public employment. DBE, DFFE, and DAC lead implementation.
Presidency employment stimulus statement →Phase 1 — 440,000 work opportunities created
DPME Phase 1 implementation report confirms 440,000 work opportunities created. Basic Education Employment Initiative places 300,000 education assistants in schools. Critics note many placements are 3-6 month contracts rather than permanent jobs.
DPME Phase 1 Implementation Report →Phase 2 — R8.6bn, targeting further 600,000 opportunities
Phase 2 expands the programme with additional funding. Environment sector stimulus adds game rangers and conservation workers. Arts and culture sector employs community arts practitioners.
National Budget 2022 — PESP allocation →AGSA finds irregular expenditure in arts sector component
Auditor-General flags irregular expenditure in the arts and culture component of PESP where some implementing agents did not follow procurement processes. Amount flagged: R340 million. DAC responds with corrective action plan.
AGSA MFMA 2022/23 report →Phase 3 — 680,000 opportunities reached, R1.8bn remaining
DPME Phase 3 progress report confirms 680,000 of 800,000 targeted work opportunities created. R1.8 billion remaining for disbursement in final phase. Education assistants programme renewed for third consecutive year.
DPME Phase 3 Implementation Report →Sources
Figures are compiled from official Treasury, AGSA, SIU, SASSA and departmental sources cited in the timeline above. Last updated 1 February 2026. Disbursement figures reflect the most recent public reporting and may lag real-time spending.