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Matatiele Local Municipality, working with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, held a three-day EPWP skills training session at the Maggie Tsiu-Resha Building. The programme targeted wattle-clearing employees from several wards. Nearly 100 beneficiaries completed the training on small-business readiness.
What Happened
The training focused on practical skills that help workers earn income after their EPWP contracts end. Facilitators guided participants through basic business planning, budgeting and community-based enterprise ideas.
“We want people to leave the programme with the confidence to build something of their own,” a facilitator told Pondoland Times.
Beneficiaries described the sessions as empowering and said the content felt relevant to their daily challenges.
Official Response
Municipal officials said the initiative aligns with Matatiele’s broader push for livelihood support and long-term economic resilience. They also highlighted strong collaboration with Public Works, noting that both partners share the goal of reducing unemployment.
“This is not once-off support. We are investing in people so they can stand on their own,” a municipal representative said.
Community Impact
Graduates of the programme said they now understand how to turn small projects into income-generating work. Many also noted that the skills will help their families and communities.
“We appreciate the chance to grow. It gives us hope,” a beneficiary said after receiving their certificate.
Officials expect the training to encourage more stable household incomes and support local job creation.
