On 24 February 2025, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure has launched a two-month Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Work-based initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities for 210 unemployed individuals from the Central Karoo region. This initiative forms part of the provincial government’s Growth For Jobs Strategy which offers temporary employment while also addressing critical community needs. This includes the need to empower young people with the necessary skills and experience they need to find a place in the job market.
Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, said, “Our efforts to grow the economy through infrastructure development must go hand in hand with skills development. And we are pulling out all the stops to equip residents, especially young people, for the job market.”
The majority of participants will be placed within the Waste Management and Roads Divisions at the Beaufort West Municipality. These roles will focus on improving local infrastructure and services, contributing to a cleaner and better-maintained community. In addition to this, the remaining participants will assist with general maintenance work at two old age homes and various schools in the area. Tasks will include painting, repairing broken doors and toilets, and other essential upkeep.
The selected participants are spread across four towns: Merweville (35 people), Nelspoort (35 people), Murraysburg (35 people), and Beaufort West (105 people). A highlight of the programme is the inclusion of several young people who have completed accredited training in technical trades such as electrical wiring and plumbing, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and skills for future employment.
“The Western Cape is one of just four provinces to exceed its five-year EPWP target, and as we now enter another phase of this programme, we have already surpassed our annual targets. Nearly 84 000 work opportunities have already been created, which is over 140% of our target. Almost 23 000 full-time equivalent jobs have been created, which is 114% of our target. This shows that the Western Cape Government is stepping up and working hard to build a resilient, prosperous province, with a growing economy that is rich with job opportunities for all,” Minister Simmers added.
Emerald Vine
I thought I wanted a job, turns out I really just wanted a paycheck
Mad Kid
Fun South African Fact: Can you think of any other place in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners lived on the same street? Both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu had houses on Vilakazi Street in Soweto.