2026 EPWP SOCIAL SECTOR CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL SKILLS

By Tholakele Makena

• The 2026 Expanded Public Works Programme Social Sector Conference, taking place in February, looks set to redefine the delivery of social services through the strategic use of technology and digital skills.
• The theme for the conference, “Revolutionising access to social services through digital skills in the EPWP Social Sector”, emphasises this point.
• Outcomes from the conference, hosted by the Department of Social Development, will contribute to improved policy alignment, informed planning and a strengthened EPWP Social Sector.

Technology and digital skills will be one of the key focus areas for the 2026 EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) Social Sector Conference planned for 24 – 26 February in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The conference, hosted by the Department of Social Development, forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination, planning and implementation within the EPWP social sector across all spheres of government.

The theme of the conference, “Revolutionising access to social services through digital skills in the EPWP Social Sector”, serves as a clarion call for a new skills revolution within the social sector and encourages programme managers and policy developers to reimagine the delivery of social services through the strategic use of technology and digital skills.

It further invites collaboration and partnerships across sectors to share resources, expertise and networks in support of this transformative agenda.

According to Advocate Samuel Maifadi, director of special projects and innovation at the Department of Social Development, the EPWP Social Sector has, over the past two decades, made a meaningful contribution to poverty alleviation and skills development through the creation of work opportunities in key social services.

These interventions have largely benefited women, youth and persons with disabilities, while also supporting the delivery of essential services within communities.

As the programme continues to evolve, the conference will focus on emerging skills requirements and innovative models of service delivery that are responsive to a rapidly changing socio-economic and technological environment.

The conference will be led by the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, who is expected to deliver the keynote address on the first day.

The minister will also extend invitations to other ministers within the social sector, as well as provincial political principals.

The conference is expected to bring together EPWP Social Sector managers and policy makers from national, provincial and municipal levels.

In addition, key contributions are anticipated from other EPWP sectors, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), other Social Development agencies, innovation centres and private sector partners.

Advocate Maifadi also noted that the conference provides an important platform to strengthen collaboration and alignment across the social sector.

Discussions will focus on improving intergovernmental coordination, expanding digital and technical skills development, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing enterprise development and sustainable exit pathways for EPWP participants.

A key partnership in hosting the conference is with Africa Beyond the 4th Industrial Revolution (AB4IR), a non-profit organisation supporting the provision of digital skills to EPWP Social Sector participants.

The department is also engaging with other private sector partners, whose participation will be announced once arrangements have been finalised.

The Department of Social Development has a mandate to lead the coordination of the EPWP Social Sector, which includes departments such as basic education, health, community safety, and sport, arts and culture.

Coordination across the sector and across the three spheres of government requires regular platforms for reflection, shared learning and collective planning, and the conference serves as such a platform, and will culminate in the adoption of an action plan to guide the sector into the next EPWP implementation cycle.

The department anticipates that the outcomes of the conference will contribute to improved policy alignment, informed planning and strengthened implementation of the EPWP Social Sector.

The engagement is expected to support government priorities on inclusive growth, job creation and sustainable livelihoods, while reinforcing a shared commitment to innovative, efficient and responsive social service delivery.

The EPWP Social Sector Conference presents a critical opportunity for stakeholders to engage on the future direction of the programme and its role in revolutionising access to social services through digital skills.

Through focused deliberations and collaborative partnerships, the conference is expected to yield practical outcomes that translate into strengthened implementation and meaningful impact within communities.