The Provincial EPWP Component Empowers District-Based Emerging Contractors
NGWAVUMA: Recently, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Directorate of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works successfully facilitated a capacity building workshop for emerging contractors.
A full day workshop was held on Thursday 14 March 2024 at the Mosvold Hospital to equip contractors located in the Ngwavuma area under the Umkhanyakude District with necessary skills required when bidding for government tenders.
This marks a second leg of a programme of this nature to be hosted by the EPWP Directorate in the North Coast Region within a short period of time.
Hence the Department is determined to prioritize Local Economic Development and also address challenges facing Small, Micro, Medium Enterprises (SMMEs), challenges which hinder successful bidding have been identified as follows:
Non-compliance with COIDA and Unemployment Insurance Fund.
Expired letters of Good Standing.
Lack of understanding of Safety Compliance.
Non-compliance with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) requirements.
Non-compliance with South African Revenue Service (SARS) requirements.
Director: Youth, Women, People with Disabilities and Military Veterans, Ms Delisile Mncube confirmed that, the Department is in a bid to empower emerging contractors with necessary skills and knowledge that will equip them to be responsive when it comes to competitive bidding in the construction sector.
Representatives from the Department of Employment and Labour demonstrated a holistic overview of applicable processes and services offered. Their presentations covered information on the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), the Compensation Fund processes and procedures to be followed in line with registration of employees and making claims from the Fund.
Participants were also urged to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines applicable in all construction sites in order to avoid unnecessary closure of sites by Labour Inspectors. This is coupled with the standard occupational requirements imposed by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) around relevant Database Registration which eventually puts them in an advantageous position when bidding for government projects.
Deputy Director EPWP North Coast Region, Musa Ngubane recapped on all presentations and discussions of the day, citing emerging contractors’ maximum participation in such workshops as a key to success. He added that, it is important for such contractors to engage in sub-contracts as they contribute positively towards boosting the local economy.
The local Project Liaison Committee member, Mr Ntshembeni appreciated a progressive stance taken by the Department as such initiatives assist emerging contractors when it comes to competitive bidding.
