The Launch of EPWP Phase IV: A Journey towards People Empowerment (isiZulu)
Story by Vusi Shabalala and pictures by Gugu Mtshali
It was like a gift from the universe when the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works finally realised another ‘hard-earned’ target – the launch of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Phase IV. On Friday, 22 March 2019, people blossomed as they gathered at Esikhawini TVET College in Richards Bay of the North Coast Region. Amid load shedding and rain soaked day, guests were in a sweet and sound mood. They looked excited, stronger and comfortable. The venue was destined for such an august gathering with its inviting space that could cool organisers, delegates, guests and stakeholders alike.
Above (ltr) Mr Thulani Mdadane – DDG for KZN Public Works, Ms C.J. Abrahams from National Public Works, Dr Gaster Gilbert Sharpley – HOD
for KZN Public Works & MEC Ravigasen Pillay
Mr Thulani Mdadane, the Deputy Director-General for KZN Public Works and Programme Director on
the day, had to play his piano at random, as he meticulously managed the programme outline with
commendable professionalism and diplomacy. The occasion was officially graced by MEC for Human
Settlements and Public Works, Mr Ravigasen Ranganathan Pillay. Accompanying Mr Pillay, were Dr
Gaster Gilbert Sharpley, KZN Public Works’ Head of Department, Mayor of uMhlathuze Local
Municipality, Her Worship , Cllr Sibiya and King Cetshwayo District Mayor, Her Worship, Cllr Mkhulisi.
Other delegates in attendance were members of the senior management from the KZN Public Works
led by the Deputy Director-General, Mrs Sindi Linda including senior representatives from the National
and Regional Public Works led by Ms CJ Abrahams and Mr PAM Shozi respectively. Amakhosi and all
political heads attended. EPWP beneficiaries and community members within Esikhawini and the
surrounding areas attended in their numbers in support in support of the launch and expansion of
EPWP.
Since the official launch of EPWP Phase III and official handover of the EPWP to KZN Public Works by
former Premier, Honourable Senzo Edward Mchunu on 20 March 2015 in Richmond, there has been
tremendous progress in the expansion of the programme. In his keynote address, MEC Ravi Pillay has
acknowledged and commended the expansion of the programme. Challenges keep on emerging and
government continues to addressing such with intense dialogue, amicable deliberations and solutions.
It is without doubt that EPWP remains a contributor in the creation of work opportunities and uplifts
governance towards youth and women development through skills transfer, training and development
of beneficiaries within all-inclusive EPWP sectors, which ultimately advances economic growth within
the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Above are EPWP beneficiaries who attended the official launch of EPWP Phase IV.
Proven statistics and authentic testimonies by Ms Abrahams and two female EPWP beneficiaries have
attested. According to Ms Abrahams, KwaZulu-Natal has significantly consolidated progress made thus
far. She further commended that KZN Public Works continues to step up the pace of achieving a radical
socio-economic transformation and support poverty-stricken communities. In his keynote address,
MEC Pillay has been quite clear that EPWP started on a small scale during its early stages. Later in the
years, the programme gained ground; it expanded into a variety of sectors such as infrastructure, social,
environmental & cultural and non-state sectors, with the inclusion of Community Works Programme
(CWP) – which of is currently managed by the KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and
Traditional Affairs. These sectors afford opportunities for the development of strategies that are aimed
at developing the quality of beneficiaries’ lives and ability to shape their future through improving their
access to opportunities. In this instances, opportunities would refer to obtaining skills training on the
required jobs, resourcing the communities to meet their needs, continue running available community
networks, support groups and social action groups and servicing self-help beneficiaries.
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EPWP has been realised in KwaZulu-Natal to making rapid strides and successes in supporting and
empowering people to explore and expand on their personal journeys in a safe, sacred and heartcentred space. It could be safely stated that EPWP gradually reveals the empowerment of people at the
grass root level, social mobilization when a programme is expanded, down up planning process and
continued awareness, for the improvement of lives of the poor people within communities. On the
other hand, participation of beneficiaries remains key. In this case, participatory approach should be
based on the goals of the EPWP, taking into account the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
Participation of beneficiaries will always be associated with the empowerment of beneficiaries and
communities. EPWP expansion will indeed remain a journey towards people empowerment