The Expanded Public Works Programme:

The Expanded Public Works Programme:

After the Fact/Experiences of post project participants

Introduction:

Unemployment and poverty continue to undermine economic growth and development in many countries, despite efforts by governments to strengthen their economies. The persistence of these socio-economic challenges is especially apparent in developing countries. Economic inequality is accentuated in the South African context, due to the enforcement of past apartheid policies, which have contributed to increasing poverty among previously disadvantaged groups. Some of the realities facing South Africa include disappointing economic growth and an increase in joblessness from 15 percent to 30 percent of the labour force since 1995 (Herzenberg and Mzwakali, 2007, p.1).

At its policy conference in late 2002, the African National Congress (ANC) resolved that there should be a large scale expansion of the use of labour-intensive construction methods to alleviate unemployment. The Growth and Development Summit (GDS) provided a platform for government and social partners to collectively address issues of poverty and unemployment. The GDS was not viewed as an isolated event, but a major step forward in consolidating a People’s Contract for Growth and Development (President Thabo Mbeki, 2003)

In attempting to address these challenges, the South African government has implemented the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The EPWP forms part of government’s pool of short to medium term strategies which aim to address the twin challenges of unemployment and poverty. The EPWP is one of a wide range of government initiatives designed to alleviate poverty and unemployment through the provision of temporary work opportunities, coupled with training. It is a national programme covering all spheres of government and state-owned enterprises. In 2004, government committed to create one million job opportunities through the EPWP. This commitment is in pursuit...