The undertaking by the President of South Africa for the creation of half a million job opportunities by end of the year is attainable and we are well on track to achieve this objective.
This was the commitment by the National Minister of Public Works Geoff Doidge and the Premier of Limpopo Cassel Mathale, after the briefing by the Minister to the provincial executive council on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) two and the creation of job opportunities.
"The first phase of this programme created 1,6 million job opportunities in five years and we reached the target of a million job opportunities ahead of time. And we are certain that we will achieve our target of 4,5 million job opportunities in the next five years. The programme itself has been budgeted R4,1 billion for the next five years as an incentive to accelerate labour intensive methodology infrastructure delivery" said Minister Doidge.
Minister Doidge is adamant that EPWP two is one of the most effective ways of fighting the scourge of unemployment and skilling the unskilled workers.
"The whole world is going the Expanded Public Works route as a strategy to fight the massive job losses all over the world. South Africa's R787 billion infrastructure programme is the third biggest behind that of United States and China.
We are trailblazers and we are determined and convinced that it will work. Expanded Public Works Programme is the only game in town and anyone who has better ideas better come up with it."
"The Premier committed himself and his executive to ensure that the programme is implemented vigorously in the province and we will achieve the target."
"Limpopo, like all provinces, is heading the call of the President to create as many job opportunities as possible. We are acutely aware of these national imperatives to create jobs and provide skills to our people. For the EPWP two to succeed on the skill needed, we will work tirelessly with our municipalities to achieve the objectives of the national call" concluded the Premier.
The Minister and the Premier formally signed the protocol agreements that bind the province to the EPWP two targets.
Enquiries:
Thami Mchunu
Cell: 079 519 6997
Issued by: Department of Public Works
25 June 2009
