The Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, honourable Andries Nel engaged communities yesterday (10 October 2016) as part of the Community Work Programme (CWP) campaign. The engagement was done through more than 50 community Radio stations across the country facilitated by GCIS.
This programme contributed to our broader objective of raising awareness and mobilising South Africans behind this important programme of government established to provide an employment safety net to eligible members of target communities by offering them a minimum number of regular days of work each month. The campaign will also be rolled out through a number of platforms and channels that reached communities across the country in the form of adverts and other tools.
The programme targets unemployed people and/or those underemployed. The participants receive payments and supplements their existing livelihood strategies and provides them with a basic level of income security. It also assists those whose livelihood activities are insufficient to lift them out of poverty.
The CWP complements government’s existing social protection initiatives. It is a component of the Expanded Public Work Programme (EPWP), designed to ensure that people with limited alternatives can rely on a minimum level of regular work to provide a predictable income stream.
From the discussions and the questions received from the communities who called throughout the broadcast, clearly showed that communities are interested in being part of this programme. Other callers expressed their sincere appreciation to government for assisting them to put food on the table. The Deputy Minister emphasised that this programme is implemented at the local level at ‘a site’ which generally comprises ‘a community.
While it is desirable that participants find other opportunities and exit from the programme over time, it is however not a requirement. “Government recognises that even if the economy starts to expand rapidly to create new jobs, its impact might take time to reach the most marginal areas and groupings. Therefore, access to an employment safety net will continue to be required by vulnerable South Africans to complement other social assistance programmes”, said Deputy Minister.
This important instrument that contributes to community development, improves the quality of life in poorer communities. It focuses on work tasks that uplift and support communities, whilst at the same time ensuring that participants acquire skills.
Amongst the many tasks and community projects or activities are:
- renovating community facilities, repairing community infrastructure, establishing and tending community gardens, looking after orphans or vulnerable children, helping the sick, assisting teachers in schools, taking care of children of working parents and working with the local police to improve safety and reduce crime.
One of the advantages of the programme is that it brings to life the principle of Ubuntu and creates a caring community environment. It also strengthens the interface between local government and communities, and community participation in local development planning through local structures such as CWP Local Reference Committees (LRCs) in which Ward Committees are represented.
Of importance is that the CWP will continue to:
- provides a safety net.
- empowers participants with new skills and opportunities.
- restores dignity.
- Reduce unemployment and poverty in rural areas.
The Deputy Minister concluded by sounding a clarion call to all communities to support this important programme that contributes to the broader government plans of poverty eradication and developing communities’.
To ensure that communities are able to ask questions and get more information about the CWP - the Deputy Minister also announced the toll-free number for CWP – 0800 746 747 or info@cogta.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Legadima Leso
CoGTA Communication
Cell: 083 378 9495
