Expanded Public Works Programme

Introduction

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is a government initiative designed to create job opportunities, sustainable livelihoods and skills development for poor and unemployed people.  The primary focus is on labour intensive methods in construction and infrastructure related programmes. EPWP was launched in 2004.

Key Objectives

• Job Creation: Provide temporary and ongoing work opportunities for the unemployed.
• Skills Development: Train individuals, especially youth, women, and people with disabilities, to increase their employability.
• Economic Growth: Increase economic development through improved skills and an enabling environment for industry growth.

EPWP Key Sectors

EPWP operates through four key sectors to maximize impact:

1. Infrastructure:

   • Increase the labour intensity of government-funded infrastructure projects.

2. Non-State:

   • Create work opportunities through Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and the Community Work Programme (CWP).

3. Environment & Culture:

   • Provide employment through public environmental and cultural projects.

4. Social:

   • Create work in public social programmes to uplift communities.

Target Groups

EPWP pays special attention to:

• Women
• Youth
• People with Disabilities

This focus ensures inclusivity and equal opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.

EPWP Provincial Coordination (KwaZulu-Natal)

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works has coordinated EPWP within the province since 2015. Their role includes:

• Monitoring and Reporting: Track EPWP performance across all public bodies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate partnerships and collaboration for successful implementation.
• Technical Support: Offer guidance to government entities in EPWP planning and execution.

EPWP Services Offered

1. Chief Directorate EPWP

   • Purpose: Coordinate the provincial EPWP.
   • Key Functions:
     • Develop contractors and job creation opportunities.
     • Ensure the use of labour-intensive methods in construction.
     • Train EPWP beneficiaries.

   Contact:
   Mr. D.B. Dlamini (Chief Director)
   Tel: 033 355 5266
   Email: Bongani.dlamini@kznworks.gov.za

2. Directorate EPWP Provincial Coordination

   • Purpose: Oversee provincial coordination and monitoring.
   • Key Services:
     • Manage municipal monitoring and evaluation of EPWP projects.

   Contact:
   Ms. N. Mahlaba (Director)
   Tel: 033 355 3768
   Email: Nondumiso.mahlaba@kznworks.gov.za

3. Directorate EPWP Internal

   • Purpose: Manage contractor development and job creation.
   • Key Services:
     • Facilitate contractor development programs.
     • Oversee the implementation of Labour-Intensive Construction (LIC) methods.
     • Train beneficiaries and manage youth service programs.

   Contact:
   Mrs. C.N. Khumalo (Director)
   Tel: 033 355 3710
   Cell: 067 412 2211
   Email: mpumi.khumalo@kznworks.gov.za

4. Directorate Youth, Women & People with Disabilities

   • Purpose: Advocate for the inclusion of designated groups.
   • Key Services:
     • Promote the participation of youth, women, and people with disabilities in EPWP projects.
     • Ensure compliance with directives from statutory bodies.

   Contact:
   Ms. D. Mncube (Director)
   Tel: 033 355 5603
   Cell: 066 298 0434
   Email: Delisile.mncube@kznworks.gov.za

EPWP at the Regional Level

ETHEKWINI Region

• Main Functions:
  • Assist youth, women, and people with disabilities through training and work experience.
  • Coordinate the National Youth Service (NYS) program.
  • Empower local contractors through the Eyesizwe Contractor Development Program (ECDP).

Contact:
Ms. N. Lembethe (Deputy Director)
Tel: 031 203 2388
Cell: 072 457 9139
Email: nomcebo.mnguni@kznworks.gov.za

MIDLANDS Region

• Main Functions:
  • Support vulnerable groups through EPWP opportunities.
  • Offer training to enhance employability.
  • Coordinate regional empowerment programs for emerging contractors.

Contact:
Ms. J.T. Khuzwayo (Deputy Director)
Tel: 036 638 8268
Cell: 081 016 6743
Email: Jane.khuzwayo@kznworks.gov.za

NORTH COAST Region

• Main Functions:
  • Facilitate skills development and work experience for unemployed individuals.
  • Coordinate the NYS program to empower youth.
  • Support the development of local contractors.

Contact:
Mr. M.M. Ngubane (Deputy Director)
Tel: 035 874 3856
Cell: 072 642 5242
Email: musa.ngubane@kznworks.gov.za

SOUTHERN Region

• Main Functions:
  • Assist youth, women, and people with disabilities in gaining skills and work experience.
  • Manage NYS and contractor empowerment programs.
  • Provide ongoing support and monitoring for local contractors.

Contact:
Mr. S. Msomi (Assistant Director)
Tel: 033 897 7167
Cell: 060 961 8211
Email: sipho.msomi@kznworks.gov.za

 

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in participating in EPWP projects or want to know more, please reach out to your local EPWP coordinator or visit the official EPWP website for more information.

Download EPWP Resources

• EPWP Organogram PDF