Government Programmes
The government of South Africa is aware of the high rates of unemployment. Since the inception of the democratic governance, the government has embarked on initiatives geared towards addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
Consequently, every level of government has initiatives and programmes designed to address the triple challenges. This page will provide you with information on government initiatives developed to address unemployment, especially amongst youth.
Expanded Public Works Programmes (EPWP)
The Department of Public Works can be contacted for further information on the EPWP. Contact details are available on this link.
The EPWP was launched in 2004 and is currently still being implemented. The EPWP is a nationwide programme covering all spheres of government and state- owned enterprises. The Programme provides an important avenue for labour absorption and income transfers to poor households in the short to medium-term. EPWP Projects employ workers on a temporary or on-going basis either by government, by contractors, or by other non-governmental organisations under the Ministerial Conditions of Employment for the EPWP or learnership employment conditions. The EPWP creates work opportunities in four sectors, namely, Infrastructure, Non-State, Environment & Culture and Social, through:
- Increasing the labour intensity of government-funded infrastructure projects under the Infrastructure sector,
- Creating work opportunities through the Non-Profit Organisation Programme (NPO) and Community Work Programme (CWP) under the Non-State sector, and
- Creating work opportunities in public environment and culture programmes under the Environment and Culture sector.
- Creating work opportunities in public social programmes under the Social sector,
Infrastructure Sector
The infrastructure sector is led by the Department of Public Works (DPW). The Department also collaborates with the Departments of: Transport; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Water Affairs; Mineral Resources; and Energy.
EPWP Infrastructure Sector Programmes
- Vuk’uphile
- National Youth Service
- Large Projects
- Provincial Roads
Non-State Sector
The Non State Sector Programme (NSS) was introduced as the new component for EPWP in 2009. The programme uses wage subsidies to support Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) on their community development initiatives. The NSS comprises of two programmes, namely the Community Work Programme (CWP) and the Non-Profit Organisation. The CWP is area based and is managed by the Department of Cooperative Governance.
Environment And Culture Sector
The Environment and Culture Sector (E&C)’s contribution to the EPWP involves employing people to work on projects to improve their local environment through programme spearheaded by various departments. The sector builds South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage, and in doing so, dynamically uses this heritage to create both medium and long term work and social benefits.
EPWP Environment and Culture Sector Programmes
- Sustainable Land-based Livelihoods;
- Waste Management;
- Tourism and Creative Industries;
- Parks and Beautification;
- Coastal Management; and
- Sustainable Energy
Social Sector
The beneficiaries of the EPWP Social sector are afforded opportunities to undergo training to enhance their abilities in rendering improved social services while providing options for career path or exit strategies into formal and self- employment. Training is accessed through skills programmes and learnerships.
EPWP Social Sector Programmes
- Early Childhood Development
- Home Community Based Care
- School nutrition programme
- Community Crime Prevention
- School Mass Participation
- Kha Ri Gude (Tshivenda for 'let us learn')
You can visit or contact the following departments for more information with regard to the social sector programmes:
Other programmes
| Department | Programme/s |
| Rural Development |
Comprehensive Rural Development Programme National Rural Youth Service Corps Programme |
| Social Development |
Neighbourhood Development Grant Programme Home-Based Community Care Programme |
| Education |
Early Childhood Development Kha ri Gude Mass Literacy Campaign |
| Transport | S’hamba Sonke |
It is worthwhile to contact your municipality for further information on the government programmes.
Traffic Officers Opportunities:
There are provincial and municipal Traffic Officers opportunities offered at various municipalities. To know more about these opportunities, visit your nearest local municipality and inquire about them or visit this page.
Metro Police Constables Opportunities:
The local government/metropolitan municipalities advertise these opportunities when they are available. To know more about these opportunities, visit your nearest local municipality and inquire about them.
Emergency Services Opportunities:
The local government/metropolitan municipalities advertise these opportunities when they are available. To know more about these opportunities, visit your nearest local municipality and inquire about them.
Also check the Government Site for additional programmes and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
