Parliament, Wednesday, 21 May 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure welcomed the Department of Public Work and Infrastructure’s ongoing efforts to reform the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) into a more viable and sustainable job creation initiative. The committee acknowledged the work underway to enhance the programme’s impact and long-term benefit for South Africans.
The committee also noted several challenges that continue to undermine the programme’s effectiveness. These include disparities in wages, the short duration of employment (on average around 76 days) and the struggle many beneficiaries face in securing meaningful or permanent work after exiting the programme.
The committee expressed concern that service providers delivering training appear to be the primary beneficiaries of the programme, with many workers receiving between R100 and R200 per day, without access to basic protections such as UIF or medical aid.
Importantly, the committee welcomed the department’s piloting of biometric systems and the review of the EPWP recruitment policy framework, seeing these as vital steps toward a fair, secure and transparent recruitment process.
To ensure accountability and measurable progress, the committee resolved that the department must appear before the committee quarterly to report on the implementation of its reform measures. Additionally, the department must expand its monitoring and evaluation systems to improve transparency in terms of funds spent, grants issued, outcomes achieved, profiles of beneficiaries, the creation of meaningful employment, and the nature and areas of training provided.
The committee reiterated that the department’s mandate to promote economic growth and job creation through support for infrastructure and related projects is clear and must be pursued in a way that delivers tangible benefits for the people of South Africa.
The committee also re-emphasised the importance of protecting the EPWP from political misuse and called for clear reporting on how the programme leads to permanent employment opportunities.
Finally, the committee commended the department’s partnerships with the Department of Higher Education and Training and TVET colleges, which aim to equip beneficiaries with critical skills. It looks forward to seeing meaningful progress in the implementation of EPWP reforms.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, MR EDWIN BATH.
For media enquiries or interviews with the committee Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 083 358 5224
E-mail: jamajozi@parliament.gov.za
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