The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has announced that they will be hosting a two-day Provincial Summit on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) on June 22 and 23, 2023. The goal of this gathering, which will take place a few months before the start of Phase 5 of the Programme, is to encourage collaborations and partnerships for successful implementation.
The Expanded Public Works Programme
The EPWP is a government initiative that focuses on providing temporary work and skills development opportunities to unemployed South Africans in the public sector. Its core objective is to reduce poverty and unemployment by creating work opportunities in various sectors such as infrastructure, environment, culture, and social development. The programme aims to achieve this by partnering with various stakeholders such as National and Provincial Government structures, District and Local Municipalities, and institutions implementing the EPWP.
The Summit
The two-day summit will bring together different stakeholders who will share their experiences, ideas, challenges, and successes in implementing the programme. It will also provide feedback on the consultations and planning for EPWP Phase 4, report on progress and best practices in achieving phase targets, and further educate public bodies about the EPWP recruitment guidelines.
The first day of the summit will kick off with an EPWP Awards Ceremony, where the best-performing institutions in implementing the programme will be recognized. This will be an opportunity for the awardees to share their strategies, challenges, and lessons learned with their peers. EPWP participants will also give testimonies on how the programme has impacted their lives, providing insights into the real-world benefits of this initiative.
Day two of the summit will be dedicated to the official programme, where stakeholders will discuss the objectives and expectations of the initiative. They will also explore the potential challenges and barriers to collaboration and partnership in implementing the EPWP. By actively engaging in these discussions, stakeholders can identify opportunities for improvement and ways to enhance the programme’s effectiveness in addressing unemployment and poverty in South Africa.
Collaboration and Partnership
The North West Public Works and Roads’ Provincial Summit on the EPWP underscores the importance of collaboration and partnerships in addressing critical social issues such as unemployment and poverty. By working together, stakeholders can leverage their collective strengths and resources to create innovative solutions and impactful initiatives that improve the well-being of South Africans.
The North West Department of Public Works and Roads’ focus on fostering collaboration and partnerships demonstrates their commitment to the successful implementation of the EPWP. As the Programme moves into its fifth phase, the summit provides a platform for reflection on achievements, learning from past experiences, and strategizing for future success. It is an excellent opportunity for stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas, and work towards a common goal – improving the lives and prospects of South Africans through the Expanded Public Works Programme.