Media reports claiming President Jacob Zuma has changed government's strategy on job creation are incorrect. They are based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the President's comments during his address in a meeting with black business people and professionals held last night at the Sandton Convention Centre.
In his speech, the President said that the jobs that would be created in the economy would probably take time due to the current global financial downturn. These jobs are different and distinct from those that will be created through government's public works programme.
Speaking about the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in his response to the Presidency Budget vote debate in the National Assembly, President Zuma said: "I reiterate that we intend to create about 500 000 work opportunities this year [through the EPWP], as part of our goal of creating about four million such opportunities by the end of this five-year term.
"Let me emphasise that these measures are not a substitute for the permanent jobs that must be created and sustained in the economy. The key sectors of the Expanded Public Works Programme are as follows:
"Firstly, the infrastructure sector programmes. Key programmes are road construction, water reticulation, and sewerage and waste water management.
"The second programme is the social sector, aimed at creating work opportunities through the provision of public social services.
"The key programmes in this sector include the Home and Community Based Care programme which entails provision of care and support for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, as well as personnel required for the expansion of the Early Childhood Development programme.
"The third EPWP intervention is in the environment and culture sectors. Programmes include Working for Water, Working on Fire and Land Care. New initiatives on waste management, including the Food for Waste Programme, will be expanded.
"This is one of the measures that government has put in place to alleviate poverty and provide income, work experience and skills development to many who are unemployed."
Government remains committed to the targets set out in the public works programme. It also remains committed to pursuing economic policies that promote job creation even in the midst of an economic downturn.
For enquires call the Spokesperson:
Vincent Magwenya
Cell: 082 835 6315
Issued by: The Presidency
24 July 2009
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)
