EPWP CONTINUES TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES

By Lawrence Mashabela

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development and the Department of Public Works has visited a community care centre in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg, to assess the impact the Expanded Public Works Programme has had on the local community.
• The programme plays an instrumental role in empowering young people by providing access to work and training opportunities.
• Currently, 131 children at the Adonai Fellowship Community Care Centre in Walkerville are directly benefiting from the programme.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Expanded Public Works Programme is proving to be a lifeline for many young people across the province, equipping them with valuable skills, creating job opportunities, and providing income support.

As a major government initiative, the programme not only helps alleviate poverty but also fosters economic upliftment and long-term career development.

This impact was evident during a joint oversight visit conducted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development and the Department of Public Works at the Adonai Fellowship Community Care Centre in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg, on Wednesday, 26 February 2025.

The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the programme’s effectiveness and assess how it continues to change lives in communities.

The programme plays an instrumental role in empowering youth by providing access to work and training opportunities that equip them with skills and experience for future employment, according to the Social Work Manager for the Expanded Public Works Programme, Seipati Motlabane.

“The Expanded Public Works Programme is not just a temporary solution but is a stepping stone for young people to gain meaningful work experience and transition into formal employment,” said Motlabane.

“It remains a vital programme in addressing unemployment, reducing poverty, and accelerating service delivery in our communities.”

The Adonai Fellowship Community Care Centre is one of the many organisations benefiting from the Expanded Public Works Programme.

Project Manager Diana Nyazuzu highlighted how the programme has positively impacted children and unemployed youth in Walkerville and surrounding areas.

“Currently, 131 children are directly benefiting from the programme, and with additional support from local businesses, we have been able to extend our reach to 245 children,” said Nyazuzu.

“We are grateful for the funding from the Gauteng Department of Social Development, as it allows us to change lives and uplift unemployed youth.”

Nyazuzu, an Expanded Project Works Programme beneficiary, expressed her deep appreciation for the initiative, emphasising that many young people who have passed through the programme are now in formal employment, studying at universities, or pursuing careers as teachers and professionals.

“Since our establishment in 2004, and our funding from 2006, we have seen firsthand how the Expanded Public Works Programme transforms lives. Many of our former beneficiaries have secured stable jobs, proving that this programme is a real game-changer.”

Mpho Sibiya from the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure commended the Adonai Fellowship Community Care Centre for its dedication and professionalism.

She emphasised that the organisation has demonstrated the effective use of resources, ensuring that funds allocated are directly benefiting the community.

“We are pleased with the positive results and the level of professionalism displayed by Adonai Fellowship. This gives us confidence that the Expanded Public Works Programme is making a real impact and will continue to support families in impoverished townships,” said Sibiya.

As the programme continues to expand its reach, it stands as a beacon of hope for many young South Africans, proving that with the right opportunities and support, lives can be transformed for the better.