The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is ramping up efforts to implement the EPWP, aiming to create millions of job opportunities across South Africa. Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala expressed this commitment during a Portfolio Committee meeting on October 30, 2024.
Launched in April, Phase V of the EPWP is set to run from 2024 to 2029, targeting the creation of 5 million jobs. Zikalala emphasized the program’s focus on enhancing service delivery, particularly through vocational training and education for the most vulnerable communities, including youth, women, and the rural poor.
“This phase will intensify our efforts to restore dignity through skills development,” Zikalala stated. Key areas of focus include waste management—with recycling as a priority—road maintenance and improving public facilities. The deputy minister highlighted the importance of better data collection to track employment outcomes within the EPWP sectors.
Collaboration is also crucial, according to Zikalala, who called for partnerships between the government and the private sector. “Corporate social investment can significantly enhance programs like waste recycling, contributing to both job creation and environmental preservation,” he added.
In closing, Zikalala reinforced the urgency of the EPWP in combating high unemployment rates and addressing poverty, reiterating its critical role in driving economic growth and improving community well-being.
