The City of Cape Town held its third annual Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Awards ceremony on June 2, 2023, honoring the most successful public employment projects that have made significant differences in local communities. The EPWP has been providing over 35,000 temporary work opportunities for registered residents each fiscal year since its establishment in 2008.
Recognizing Dedication and Achievements
Coordinating such a large-scale program requires meticulous planning, organizing, and administration. The awards allow the City to publicly acknowledge the achievements of its dedicated teams across 23 departments, who constantly enhance their public employment projects’ design and operations to maintain high standards and provide maximum benefits to program participants.
Emphasis on Training Opportunities
Cape Town’s EPWP has shifted its focus towards providing more training opportunities for its workers. The work experiences now hold greater value in preparing participants for future employment within the City or beyond.
Notable Projects Making Positive Impacts
Two notable projects that have had a profound positive impact in the community are the Youth Literacy Programme and the Beach Buddies Project. The former employs young adults to tutor children struggling with reading and writing, providing these students with the support they need to build confidence in their abilities. EPWP youth can obtain accredited training that contributes to a qualification as child and youth care workers through participation in this program. The Beach Buddies Project employs individuals with disabilities, raising awareness and educating residents about the dangers of reckless diving and other hazardous water activities.
Recognizing Best Practices and Innovations
This year’s EPWP Awards presented over 30 accolades to officials in 16 different categories, celebrating best practices and innovations in projects that facilitate improved integration, practical partnerships, and a more meaningful impact for communities and project participants.
National Recognition
Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, highlighted that the EPWP program is much more than just a street sweeping initiative. Cape Town has established itself as a national leader in the EPWP program, with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure increasing its grant allocation to the City by 50% for the upcoming financial year.
Unwavering Commitment
The annual EPWP Awards ceremony serves as a testament to the City of Cape Town’s unwavering commitment to creating meaningful employment opportunities for its residents. By recognizing the efforts and achievements of its officials and projects, the City continues to inspire innovation and progress in the realm of public employment initiatives.
