The Presidential Employment Programme: Empowering Homeless Citizens and Regenerating the CBD

In August 2023, the Council approved the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City’s Economic Growth Directorate’s Enterprise and Investment Department and Khulisa Social Solutions. This agreement secures funding for the Presidential Employment Programme (PEP): Central Business District (CBD) Regeneration Project for the 2023/2024 financial year.

A Collaborative Project for Inclusive Economic Growth

The PEP: CBD Regeneration Project was initiated in July 2022 through collaborative efforts between various stakeholders. Funded by the National Treasury, the project aligns with the City’s Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy (IEGS), addressing long-term challenges around economic growth, inequality, and job creation.

Tangible Impact on Homeless Populations

Since inception, the project has made a tangible impact on the lives of Cape Town’s homeless population. In the 2021/2022 financial year, the project created 667 temporary jobs, with 88 individuals securing employment after the programme concluded. The following year, 638 temporary jobs were generated, resulting in 25 individuals retaining permanent employment at the end of the programme.

Diverse Work Opportunities in Various Locations

The PEP: CBD Regeneration Project offers a diverse range of work opportunities, including street cleaning, litter picking, sweeping, gardening, cleaning, and watering parks, retail assistance, laundry services, car guarding, parking attendance, window washing businesses, bin services for businesses, and safety monitors patrolling streets. Currently, the project is active in various locations, such as CBD, Foreshore, Green Point, Sea Point, Camps Bay, Vredehoek, Observatory, Woodstock, Parow, Bellville, Durbanville, Kuils River, Muizenberg, Kenilworth, Philippi, and Strand.

Addressing and Alleviating Homelessness

The PEP: CBD Regeneration Project aims to address and alleviate homelessness within the city. By providing temporary employment, development programmes, and rehabilitation opportunities, the project has made significant strides in empowering homeless individuals to improve their socio-economic conditions and overall well-being.

Public and Private Partnerships for Social Change

Alderman James Vos, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, praises the project’s achievements over the past two financial years. He emphasizes the importance of such initiatives in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. By implementing partnerships with existing employment creation programmes, the project responds swiftly to job opportunities for homeless persons. The remarkable progress achieved within a short period serves as a testament to the project’s efficacy and has the potential to inspire similar initiatives in other regions.

Uplifting and Empowering Vulnerable Members of Society

In conclusion, the signing of the MOA for the PEP: CBD Regeneration Project reaffirms the commitment of various stakeholders to uplift and empower vulnerable members of society. Through concerted efforts and innovative approaches to addressing homelessness, the project has already made a significant impact in Cape Town’s CBD, providing hope for a more inclusive future for all citizens.