EPWP performance; with Ministry

Video The Committee met with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to discuss the progress of Phase 5 of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The Minister said it is important that the shortcomings of the programme be assessed and reformed to better meet the needs of South Africans to develop greater skills, greater transparency, and better pay. He had launched the EPWP listening tour in the Eastern Cape to hear from communities about what is and is not working for them. As requested by the Committee, DPWI presented on its vocational and further education and training skills development and certification; the EPWP incentive grant per province and municipality; the role of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and ongoing improvement of data collection, verification, and recording of EPWP employment opportunities. EPWP aims to meet the target of creating a million work opportunities this year despite challenges faced by budget cuts and the high dropout rate of participants. Committee members provided suggestions on how to improve the Expanded Public Works Programme and remedy the high dropout rate. In conclusion, the Minister implored the Committee to stand against moving the coordination of the Expanded Public Works Programme to absorb EPWP into any other department, forum or structure that would allow it to lose its core fundamental mandate, which is to assist poor, unskilled South Africans.