THE ROLE OF THE EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS
Date
2011-05-30
Authors
Mustaffa, Zuleiga
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Abstract
In response to growing and persistent unemployment and poverty problems, the
South African government has instituted a range of short to long term
interventions, such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The purpose of the research was to determine the role of the EPWP in improving
the quality of life of workers. This was investigated by focusing on how the wage
income received was utilized within the household, whether the skills imparted
were relevant and are currently being utilized, as well as whether participation in
the programme has improved workers’ ability to earn an income.
The approach adopted in this study was primarily qualitative, combined with
some quantitative techniques. The case study design was used to yield in-depth
results. For the above research the unit of analysis was the Klipspruit River and
Wetlands Clean-Up Project, implemented in Soweto.
The findings suggest that although workers did derive benefits during
participation in the project, most of the income received was utilized for
consumption spending. All respondents interviewed are currently unemployed
and do not utilize the skills they acquired. This suggests that the EPWP
assumption that through training, provision of skills, information and work
experience, workers will be in a better position to gain other employment, was
unfounded in this particular case study.
It is recommended that particular actions in terms of sustained employment,
higher incomes and skills reforms should be undertaken to improve the
performance and impact of the EPWP
Description
MM - P&DM
Keywords
Expanded Public Works Programme, Public work programmes, South Africa