Last updated: 08/3/2024

Programme Details

Programme objectives

(i)To bring the unemployed into a temporary working environment (ii) The unemployed will obtain skills and gain work experience (iii) The unemployed will receive a stipend (allowance) (iv) To enhance their chances of future employment and/or trigger their "entrepreneurial spirit".

Programme components

Targeting and eligiblity

Target groups
Poor and unemployed, local South Africans willing and able to work at the wage rate offered. The target group is further disaggregated, with predetermined targets for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Eligibility criteria
The recruitment process shall be aligned with the self-targeting, community, and geographic targeting. In order for youth to be eligible they must at least be 16 years old and not older than 35 at the time of the start of the work. In addition, participants should: (i) reside within the ward in which the project is to be implemented. In the event that there are insufficient participants in the ward, then participants may be drawn from neighbouring wards (close to the project site). This practice may not always be applicable, for example, programmes such as Working on Fire which is not ward specific, may choose to recruit participants from a larger geographic area such as a municipality or province, (ii) be available to work on the dates as required by the project and (iii) apply or register for the work in accordance with the manner specified by the recruiting body.

Coverage and other information

Type of benefits
(i) Cash (ii) 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.
Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and frequency
A M&E framework exists which defines reporting and evaluation protocols for the Programme. On a quarterly basis, EPWP performance is monitored and the performance of the Programme is publically announced through various fora. The Programme and its sub-programmes are also constantly evaluated through case studies, cross-sectional surveys and longitudinal studies.