The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Section located at the KZN Department of Public Works’ Midlands Region recently hosted the Eyesizwe Contractor Development Programme (ECDP) Workshop.
The main objective of the workshop held on Thursday, 8 June 2023 at the Midlands Regional Office premises was to provide specific information, training and promotion of skills development targeting designated groups which include the Youth, Women, People living with Disabilities and Military Veterans representing uThukela District
uThukela District Contractors during Eyesizwe Contractor Development Workshop
The regional auditorium was fully packed with contractors who were eager to acquire valuable information shared by different speakers on the day. Amongst other strategic objectives, the establishment of the ECDP is centered around poverty alleviation through Infrastructure Development and Maintenance, raising performance and quality of contractors and increase capacity, improving quality and performance of contractors registered with the built environment body dubbed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).
As part of the day’s proceedings, the workshop received various presentations ranging from the ECDP, tender documents, relevant processes, new development, the importance of EPWP compliance in Supply Chain Management (SCM) documents, Vukuphile Programme and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Development Programme.
In her capacity as the programme director of the day, the Deputy Director: EPWP Ms Jane Ntetha who is based at the Midlands Regional offices highlighted the intention of the workshop citing promoting capacity building and sharing practical information with contractors which, will in turn, present a wherewithal to grow their businesses at a tremendous rate. Mr Sipho Msomi from the Youth, Women, People with Disabilities and Military Veterans Directorate at Head Office took to the podium and made an input on ECDP objectives, programme for designated groups, structured interventions, success factors and monitoring, current status and Disability Application (APP).
Insightful information on tender processes and new developments was shared with attendees who were also equipped with the technical know-how and integral importance of completing tender documents correctly.
Representing the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Muzi Thwala reflected on the Vukuphile Learnership Programme which is intended to develop emerging contractors into fully-fledged contractors with expertise to execute labour-intensive projects.
The special emphasis attached to this programme is aimed at developing administrative, technical, contractual, managerial and entrepreneurial skills of Learners within the prescribed Learner Contracting Companies.
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From Left: Ms Jane Ntetha, EPWP Midlands Region, Mr Muzi Thwala, national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and Mr Sipho Msomi, Youth, Women, People with Disabilities and Military Veterans at Head Office
Mr Dumisani Langa from the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) also briefed the contractors about Operation Vula Fund (OVF), a government initiative that offers financial support and opportunities to operating businesses which are owned by historically disadvantaged individuals mainly Blacks Africans.
Towards the end of the programme, Mr Khumbulani Khumalo outlined the importance of EPWP compliance in SCM documents citing the fact that EPWP remains one of the largest public employment programmes in the world. “While EPWP provides access to job opportunities, far greater investment is necessary in ensuring that these beneficiaries receive credible training on critical skills to make them ready for the job market,” Khumalo highlighted. A question and answer session presented a great opportunity for the contractors to air their views while citing a series of challenges which tend to obstruct their vision and daily operations.
Issues raised come as an exceptional call for the Department to continue embarking on programmes with a potential to empower designated groups with skills and competencies required in a highly-competitive business sector.