Millions of work opportunities created through EPWP

Millions of work opportunities created through EPWP

As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Cabinet says plans are in place to achieve the remaining 390 973 work opportunities by March 2024.

While briefing media during a post Cabinet briefing on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet received a briefing on the implementation and achievements of the EPWP, a flagship government programme that has provided millions of work opportunities to unemployed South Africans since its inception.

Millions of jobs created through the programme 

Ntshavheni said Cabinet was informed that 4 609 000 work opportunities were created during Phase 4 medium term of the EPWP, which covers the period 2019/2020 to   2022/23.

Out of the 4 609 000 work opportunities, the top three provinces where most work opportunities have been created is KwaZulu-Natal with 1 064 000 opportunities (23%), followed by the Eastern Cape, with 903 789 (20%) and the Western Cape at 508, 954 (11%).

“Although most of these opportunities are short term to medium term, some have resulted in permanent employment. Figures also indicate that more than participants obtained employment outside the EPWP.

Many past EPWP participants have successfully completed diplomas in fields such as professional cookery and some are permanently employed in the hospitality industry.

Businsesses were created through the EPWP

In addition to work opportunities, the EPWP also contributes much in terms, and improvements of amenities in communities and a better quality of life,” Ntshavheni said.

Over R52 billion has been transferred to the EPWP participants as wages for work done in Phase IV.

In  addition to this, over  600  businesses  were  established  through the  programme, Ntshavheni said.

The Minister said while most of these opportunities are short- to medium-term; some have resulted in permanent employment.

“Figures also indicate that more than 20% of participants obtained employment outside the EPWP,” she said.

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