By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, has proposed a significant restructuring of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The EPWP has traditionally been a linchpin in the fight against unemployment and poverty, providing short-term work opportunities for the economically disadvantaged. But Zikalala has a larger vision – focusing on creating work opportunities that not only provide temporary relief but also contribute to sustainable jobs and entrepreneurial outcomes.
Zikalala was addressing the two-day EPWP Phase 5 Indaba in Pretoria on Tuesday.
According to the department, the two-day indaba will be an interactive session aimed at the reconceptualisation and redesigning of the EPWP of the Future.
Zikalala emphasised that youth unemployment is still the most pressing issue across the globe, and was worsened by the devastation emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The South African youth is disproportionately affected, constituting a huge portion of the unemployed youth that feels left out,” Zikalala said.
In the same vein, the Minister said the challenges that have compromised the EPWP must be dealt with.
“The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure cannot afford to relegate its mandate to be limited to merely reporting on targets than being actively involved itself in creating job opportunities,” Zikalala said.
The Minister said ultimately, the EPWP must lead to enhanced future employability, self-employment, and cooperatives or enterprises that can employ more people.
“Our goal goes beyond employment generation. It is about nurturing a skilled, self-reliant populace that contributes constructively to our nation’s socio-economic fabric.
“By integrating NYS [National Youth Service] graduates into these workshops, we aim to foster a culture of continuous learning and hands-on experience, ensuring our youth are not just employable, but are drivers of innovation and change.
“Our initiative to absorb some of the NYS graduates from the EPWP into the DPWI workshops is thus a cornerstone of this vision,” Zikalala said.