EPWP Team Wrapped the Councillors’ Workshops with Credible Positivity (isiZulu)
Story & Pictures by Vusi Shabalala
The KZN Public Works’ EPWP team wrapped its final leg of the Provincial Councillors’ Workshop that was held on Tuesday 05 February 2019 at the Agra Crescent Civic Hall in uThukela District Municipality, Ladysmith. Ten out of eleven workshops were convened with credible positivity. The workshops took place around eThekwini, uMgungundlovu, Ugu, Harry Gwala, ILembe, King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude, Amajuba, Umzinyathi and UThukela District Municipalities as on 26 February to 5 March 2019. Ten out of eleven sessions were completed as scheduled. The Zululand District Municipality is the last leg to be visited on a date and venue to be announced soonest
Above: KZN Public Works EPWP Team with the Amajuba District Municipality
Mayoral Team with Councillors and Presenters
The Department’s successful conclusion of the workshops had minimal glitches and or logistical
nightmares. However, all sessions were showered with unquestionable positivity. All respective and
ever hard working Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors graced the workshops with utmost
comradeship. It is therefore without any doubt that the presence and effective engagement of
delegates during all the sessions signified prominent qualities of good character, commitment, trust,
accountability and the desire to learn and develop including being loyal to the course of good
governance. All delegates in attendance had singular voice of making straight talk – correct and
informed decision making. There was a broad participation of councillors in attendance. It painted a
‘workshop with one colour’ that signified and reflected a participation that is built on freedom of
association and constructive engagement for the good of the peoples’ lives.
The KZN EPWP Provincial Councillors workshop will remain leading in promoting the importance of
establishing a corporate culture that is aligned with the Municipalities’ purpose, business strategy,
promoting integrity and values of diversity. Therefore, Councillors remain key in ensuring that the
values of good governance are practically enshrined in the work that they do – serving their
communities for a good course.
Carefully considered, Public Works’ EPWP governance policies and practices along with high levels of
transparency can lead to improved levels of trust. This will allow Councillors and investors alike to take
a more considered view of the governance of the municipalities, particularly where more beneficiaries
are located in the Wards they serve.
All praises go to representative partners like Dr Sipho Ndlovu from COGTA, Mr Vusi Mkhize from the
KwaZulu-Natal Department COGTA and Mr Thabani Mazibuko from the National Public Works, who
tirelessly joined Xolani Xulu and his EPWP team for the full duration of the workshops schedule. The
content of their presentations was quite valuable to all audiences. Their engagement style was of
essence, especially for the Councillors to comprehend what is required of them and how they are
expected to do things to suit all. Their healthy partnerships will forever leave imprints of hope to the
hopeless and success to the winless.
Above are the presenters (fltr): Dr Sipho Ndlovu, Mr Vusi Mkhize,
Mrs Nokwanda Dube and Mr Thabani Mazibuko
Given the current state of affairs on Expanded Public Works Programme in KwaZulu-Natal, the EPWP
Phase 3 review process has taken its course; an impact evaluation of EPWP Phase 3 is also underway.
The findings of the review activity will ultimately enhance the proposals of the EPWP Phase 4 package.
The roadmap is that Department is currently handling the planning, and preparation stages of the
official launch of the EPWP Phase 4.
It is therefore with utmost hope and service delivery intent that the Department of Public Works will
work meticulously and prudently towards fulfilling the revised universal principles of EPWP.
Notwithstanding the fact that EPWP is a public sector programme, an increased involvement and
participation of partners with the private sector will positively find through a passage of economically
moving South Africa forward.