In 2024, South Africa commemorates two decades of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), a cornerstone of the nation’s efforts in combating poverty and unemployment. With 20 years of impactful public employment initiatives, the Cabinet reveals strategies to achieve the milestone of 5 million work opportunities by March 2024, affirming the program’s significance in shaping the country’s socio-economic landscape.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, addressing the media during a recent post-Cabinet briefing, highlighted the enduring success of the EPWP. Since its inception, this flagship government initiative has been instrumental in providing millions of job opportunities to unemployed South Africans, reflecting a steadfast commitment to inclusive growth and empowerment.
During the Phase 4 medium-term period spanning from 2019/2020 to 2022/23, the EPWP generated a commendable 4,609,000 work opportunities, marking a remarkable 92% achievement against the targeted five million opportunities set by the Sixth Administration. As South Africa strides towards the attainment of the remaining 390,973 work opportunities by March 2024, the government reaffirms its dedication to fostering sustainable employment avenues for its citizens.
The EPWP’s legacy of impact is profound, with over 14 million work opportunities created over two decades, establishing it as the world’s largest continuous public employment program. This milestone underscores the program’s efficacy in addressing unemployment challenges while fostering collaboration with the private sector and civil society organizations, vital for its sustained success.
Minister Ntshavheni emphasized the diverse range of sectors benefiting from EPWP projects, including tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, social initiatives, and projects championed by women. These endeavors not only provide employment but also facilitate skills development among participants, empowering them for long-term economic participation and growth.
Among the provinces, KwaZulu-Natal emerges as a frontrunner with 1,064,000 work opportunities created, followed closely by the Eastern Cape (903,789) and the Western Cape (508,954). While most opportunities are short- to medium-term, a notable portion has led to permanent employment, with over 20% of participants securing jobs outside the EPWP framework.
Significantly, many EPWP beneficiaries have leveraged their experiences to pursue further education, with success stories ranging from diplomas in professional cookery to thriving careers in the hospitality sector. Beyond individual empowerment, the EPWP’s impact extends to community development and service delivery enhancements, fostering improved amenities and a better quality of life for residents across South Africa.
The financial impact of the EPWP is substantial, with over R52 billion disbursed as wages to participants during Phase 4, underscoring its role in driving economic activity and income distribution. Moreover, the program’s multiplier effect is evident in the establishment of over 600 businesses, further catalyzing job creation and entrepreneurship within local communities.
As South Africa commemorates two decades of EPWP’s transformative impact, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to realizing inclusive growth and prosperity for all citizens. With plans underway to achieve the milestone of 5 million work opportunities by March 2024, the EPWP stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment, embodying the nation’s collective resolve to build a brighter future for generations to come.
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