Focus On EPWP Phase 4 Implementation Strategies As EPWP PEP’s Summit Concludes Its Business

Public Bodies (government departments, state or non-state owned entities and municipalities) as stakeholders in the implementation of EPWP projects met at the Public Employment Summit (PEP’s) Summit in Pretoria on 13 and 14 November 2018. The purpose of the Summit was to review progress made during EPWP Phase 3 implementation and map the way forward for Phase 4 in 2019. PEP’s refers to government interventions aimed at creating work opportunities by injecting money to EPWP projects as a response to economic and unemployment challenges facing the country. 

In a recorded video message to open the Summit, Public Works Minister, Mr Thembelani Nxesi who was attending another critical summit in Egypt said the EPWP Summit was necessary to reflect on the achievements while formulating new strategies for EPWP Phase 4. The Minister reminded the delegates about the objectives of the Summit, he described as “advancing public-private partnerships by sharing best practices on the implementation of EPWP programmes”. Mr Nxesi said “EPWP is  best positioned to contribute to government goals of poverty alleviation, developing local communities and enhancing social protection as emphasised in the National Development Plan: Vision 2030”.  

Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC, Jacob Mamabolo in his message of support said EPWP is an important programme for the country that provides much-needed income support for poor families. He urged delegates to provide EPWP programmes effectively, efficiently and in a decisive manner thus creating a temporary intervention to poverty challenges.

On Summit Day 1 - Dr Michael Samson, Economic Policy Research Institute Director hailed South Africa’s EPWP as the best programme in the world. A presentation by Dr Erick Museneke, National Department of Public Works (NDPW) Chief Director – EPWP Monitoring and Evaluation focused on EPWP Phase 3 performance while NDPW Director for EPWP, Mr Stanley Henderson presented on Phase 4 update, processes, and approach and draft proposals.   

After presentations, delegates had their inputs and suggestions. Later on, delegates split into four Commissions, namely – Governance and Coordination Mechanisms dealing with issues of accountability, institutional arrangements, governance and relationship framework. Commission 2 dealt with Sustainable Livelihoods and Convergence with embed Exit Strategies with particular reference to EPWP SMME Development, Skills Shortage and Integrated Approach on the implementation of EPWP programmes. Commission 3 dealt with Expansion, Innovation and Partnerships with emphasis on youth unemployment, rural and township economy; and Commission 4 dealt with Compliance, Monitoring and Reporting with emphasis on issues of EPWP recruitment, audit requirements and improved reporting. 

On Day 2, Mr Ignatius Ariyo, Chief Director for EPWP Infrastructure Sector, recapped on previous day proceedings while Ms Lindiwe Nkuna, Acting Chief Director EPWP Convergence presented on the EPWP Policy, Audit and Recruitment Guidelines. EPWP beneficiaries from Mpumalanga Province shared their testimonies about how the programme assisted them to realise their dreams and later on Commissions presented their reports as feedback to the Summit.  

When introducing NDPW Deputy Minister,   Eastern Cape MEC for Public Works, Ms Pammy Majodina said in reviewing EPWP strategies, the question of keeping participants longer in the programme should be considered. She said, “the longer the participants spend time within EPWP, they will acquire more skills to sustain themselves after exiting the project” Majodina said this would contribute immensely in the fight against poverty and developing communities.

In his remarks to close the Summit, Deputy Minister of Public Works, Mr Jeremy Cronin said it is critical for EPWP to support the existing community projects in order to sustain them. He said EPWP youth related projects must have carefully planned training aspect to develop young people in skills such as arts, sports and other cultural activities.

Later in the day National Department of Public Works DDG for EPWP, Mr Stanley Henderson read Summit Resolutions, which were adopted unanimously. The Summit ended with delegates fully energised to go back and implement EPWP programmes at an accelerated rate while considering strategies for EPWP Phase 4 in 2019. 


KZN Public Works EPWP Officials at the EPWP PEP Summit in Pretoria


KZN Public Works EPWP Officials at the EPWP PEP Summit in Pretoria

 

Message from the MEC


 

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