Rethinking the Labour-Intensive Sector: The Case of Extended Public Works Programme Employment between 2004 - 2017, in Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Within the context of the high unemployment and poverty rates in South Africa, this study investigates the best practices of successful Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. The aim of the study was to review three policies on employment and poverty within the context of EPWP. The study’s approach to the nature of the enquiry was qualitative with narrative and content analysis to explore the collected data. The research design dealt with the total plan of how the study would be undertaken from beginning to end. Purposive sampling procedure was adopted for the purpose of data sampling wherein EPWP project beneficiaries were purposefully sampled from three (3) infrastructure projects within the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. Further, the study sample comprised the total number of respondents who constitute this study; the sample was representative of the whole that was considered in data collection. Data collection methods were in the form of questionnaires designed and sent to the CDM officials coordinating the implementation of EPWP (EPWP Champions) within the respective departments that are currently implementing the EPWP in the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. The purpose of the study was to provide understanding of EPWP, help decision makers in policy formulation, filling the gaps in existing literature about EPWP and to make the unemployed more employable through offering beneficiaries temporary employment and training opportunities. In essence, the study will contribute to formulation of policies and implementation of programmes. Therefore, the study sought to find ways and recommend measures that would alleviate the twin scourges of poverty and unemployment, primarily within the Capricorn District.