Over 400 social auxiliary workers (SAW) today reported for duty at the social service points offices across the province following 12 months intensive training as part of government's Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) social service sector.
Social auxiliary workers work as assistants to social workers, providing support services and working under the supervision of social workers. SAW complements and supports social work in all focus areas with services to individuals, families, groups and communities.
SAW were recruited from deprived communities across the province, while some worked as caregivers in early childhood centres receiving stipend of R2 000 a month. North West province is the first and the only province to release SAW into formal employment.
The employment of SAW follows a commitment by MEC Rebecca Kasienyane to create more than 3 000 job opportunities this financial year with funds committed to social welfare related programmes like social auxiliary worker learnerships, the Mosupatsela Youth Pioneer programme, the National Youth Service, home and community based care, Love Life and Early Childhood Development.
"With this programme, we are therefore creating job opportunities while building capacity through accredited training and ultimately introducing EPWP beneficiaries into formal employment.
"This is all part of governments' second economy strategies, which must be understood within the context of continuum of interventions," Kasienyane said during graduation ceremony held last Saturday.
An amount of R47 million was set aside in this financial year for absorption of the 409 social auxiliary workers as permanent employees of the department. A percentage in the allocation of annual social work bursaries will be dedicated to serve as an exit opportunity for community care givers within projects funded by the department and who meets the university entry requirements.
The EPWP is one of South African government's short to medium-term programmes aimed at the provision of additional work opportunities coupled with training. It is a national programme covering all spheres of government and state-owned enterprises.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
