Across the City of Cape Town, various Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) projects in this 2022/2023 financial year, are set to create temporary opportunities in approximately 25 000 regions in Cape Town.
A budget of over R500 million has been sourced from various spheres of government, including the City. According to the City of Cape Town, the budget has been set aside to support the implementation of various projects.
In addition, the number of work opportunities could increase if further projects requiring EPWP support are approved, said the City.
The programme has allowed the creation of very diverse work opportunities including, but not limited to:
- Call centre workers
- Data capturing
- Learnerships in various sectors
- Cleaning
- Community liaison officers
- Law Enforcement Auxiliary officers
- Traffic wardens
- Field workers
The City stressed that attracting investment opportunities to Cape Town and growing the economy to create enough jobs for the population would not occur overnight, but a programme like the EPWP is crucial to support marginalised communities in the interim. The modest income derived from these work opportunities does make a big difference in the lives of participants until they can find formal employment.
Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg, commented by saying: “The City of Cape Town is also making a special effort to ensure that these EPWP opportunities provide more than just income support. More than 3 600 permanent workers’ positions at the City have been filled by residents who have previously benefitted from the EPWP since the programme began.”
According to Twigg, a 27% ratio of new permanent workers were appointed. The EPWP projects are also being designed to expand participants’ skills and empowering them in the marketplace.
Unemployed members across the city are encouraged to register for the various work opportunities.
What to know about EPWP registration:
- Visit your local sub-council to register your name with the Jobseekers Database. Bring a copy of your CV, your ID document or a valid South African work permit.
- It is absolutely free. The City will not ask community members to pay for work opportunities, or pay to apply for a work opportunity.
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