The Msimanga administration is at the advance stages of reform its Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) recruitment policy, and bring to an end years of nepotism, cronyism and patronage which have become synonymous with the programme.
At its monthly council meeting scheduled for tomorrow, 31 August 2017, the DA-led multi-party administration will table the revised policy guidelines on the recruitment of EPWP beneficiaries. Amendments to the policy include the registration of eligible EPWP beneficiaries on a central database, and a clear outline of roles and responsibilities of structures to be involved in the recruitment and appointment of beneficiaries.
A major shift away from the flawed application and recruitment system will be the introduction of a Central EPWP database, with beneficiaries selected by an open and audited lottery system.
“Following the introduction and implementation EPWP, the system was almost immediately open to abuse. This is a result of direct involvement and interference of public representatives, notably ward councillors in the recruitment processes of Project Steering Committees, Community Liaison Officers and beneficiaries”
“The aim of this modification is to ensure that EPWP beneficiaries are appointed in a fair and transparent process, free from political interference, nepotism or favouritism” said MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Cllr Cilliers Brink.
To this end, the policy reform will distinguish between three training streams:
- Skills-transfer programmes that involve beneficiaries in operational functions such as greening, cleansing, policing and other activities designed to impart meaningful work skills and experience for a period of up to 12 months;
- Capital projects that have a specific time-limit, with the option that if the project runs into overtime that the beneficiary contracts may be extended with the proper consent; and
- A combination of the above depending on the skill set of the EPWP applicants and other considerations.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is a national initiative aimed at reducing unemployment and alleviating poverty through the creation of short-term work opportunities through the use labour-intensive methods.
Gone are the days where EPWP opportunities were handed out to hand-picked beneficiaries. From now on, recruitment and appointment would be on a fair and transparent basis the likes of which Tshwane has never seen before.
The City of Tshwane firmly believes that these reforms will win back the trust of communities, which was lost by the previous administration’s disastrous handling of public works job opportunities.