Expanded Public Works Programme

02/09/2026

EPWP Participants Gain Environmental Skills in Komani, Eastern Cape

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) continues to empower communities through skills development and employment opportunities.

Twelve EPWP participants from Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape have successfully completed the National Certificate: Environmental Practice (NQF Level 2) in Komani.

The 29-day accredited training, provided by Planet Consulting and accredited by LGSETA, formed part of the EPWP Maintenance of Community Parks in the Queenstown Area Project, implemented by Chris Hani District Municipality.

Participants gained practical skills in waste management, environmental protection, workplace safety and the safe handling, storage, treatment and transportation of waste.

For participants like Mrs Babalwa Dlali and Mr Phikolomzi Robeni, the training has provided valuable knowledge that can strengthen future employment opportunities while enabling them to contribute to cleaner, safer and more sustainable communities. 🌍

Skills today. Opportunities tomorrow. Cleaner communities for future generations.

01/09/2026

The EPWP Social Sector Coordinators Forum is currently underway in George, Western Cape. The three-day meeting is attended by Social Sector implementers from national and provincial government.

The forum provides an opportunity for stakeholders to engage on key matters affecting the implementation of the EPWP Social Sector, including sector performance, incentive grants, participant training, participant wages, and reporting.

The meeting aims to strengthen coordination, address implementation challenges, share best practices, and improve the overall delivery of the EPWP Social Sector programme.

28/08/2026

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson MP, today engaged with EPWP participants and stakeholders in Nelson Mandela Bay as part of the Department’s ongoing EPWP Listening Tour.

Emphasising that “EPWP must work for all,” the Minister stressed the importance of listening to communities and using their experiences to strengthen the programme. He also clarified that EPWP is not a minimum-wage programme, but an intervention aimed at providing income relief and work opportunities to unemployed South Africans.

The engagement addressed key concerns raised by communities, including unpaid stipends, fair and transparent recruitment, political interference, the inclusion of women and persons with disabilities, age eligibility, and the need for stronger community involvement.

Responding to questions around recruitment challenges , EPWP DDG Carmen-Joy Abrahams outlined the Department’s approach to reviewing the guidelines and taking proposed changes back to communities to ensure that they are practical, inclusive and responsive to local realities.

The Minister was accompanied by EPWP DDG Carmen-Joy Abrahams, Member of Parliament Baxolile Babongile Nodada, Councillor Booysen and Councillor Xolani Notshe.
Listening to communities. Addressing challenges. Reforming EPWP to work for all.

28/08/2026

EPWP LISTENING TOUR | NELSON MANDELA BAY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, is today conducting an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Listening Tour in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.

The engagement, taking place at the United Congregational Church in Missionvale, Gqeberha, provides an opportunity to engage with EPWP participants and stakeholders, listen to their experiences and concerns, and strengthen the implementation of the programme in communities.

Stay tuned for more updates!

25/08/2026

EPWP News!!!

24/08/2026

24/08/2026

EPWP News!!!!

Nokwanda Gcaba, KZN’s new chief director for Infrastructure Maintenance and Technical Support, aims to transform lives through infrastructure development.

21/08/2026

168 EPWP PARTICIPANTS SUPPORT WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MUSINA

📍 Limpopo | Musina Local Municipality

The Musina Local Municipality has recruited 168 EPWP participants across 12 wards to support waste management, cleaning and environmental improvement initiatives in the municipality.

Working through the EPWP Environment and Culture Sector, participants are involved in:
🗑️ Waste collection
🧹 Street sweeping
♻️ Litter picking
🚮 Cleaning skip bins
🏛️ Cleaning and maintaining municipal facilities

The multi-year project, funded through the municipality’s own funding and an Integrated Grant from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), commenced on 1 July 2026 and will run until 30 July 2027.

Through their daily work, participants are helping create cleaner, more welcoming public spaces while gaining valuable work experience and earning an income.

The initiative demonstrates the impact of collaboration between national and local government in using the EPWP to address service delivery needs while creating work opportunities for communities.

21/08/2026

*HAPPENING NOW*

Mangaung, Bloemfontein | Community Engagement

Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai and MEC Dibolelo Mance join EPWP participants and community members in a practical service-delivery initiative. Activities include tree planting, pothole repairs and cleaning public spaces

These interventions improve the local environment, promote safer roads and restore community pride, while creating meaningful work and skills-development opportunities.

Through collaboration between government, residents and EPWP participants, the programme demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainable infrastructure, dignified livelihoods and better communities for all.