The Impact of Extended Public Works Program (EPWP) on job creation in local government : A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of Extended Public Works Programmes (EPWP) project on job creation in the Thulamela Local Municipality. The main aim of EPWP is to create job opportunities for disabled persons, women and youth. The reviewed literature provided the investigated challenges that were faced when creating job opportunities in Thulamela Local Municipality. In this study, some employees from different sections were sampled and a questionnaire administered to them. The data was collected through use of self -administered questionnaires to EPWP beneficiaries within the Thulamela Local Municipality. The quantitative method was used to analyse the responses to the data in this study. A non-random sampling technique was used as a probability sampling method to collect data. The responses collected from the participants was used as the primary source of data. A descriptive statistics tool, Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) was also used to analyse the data. In order to achieve this, the theory of unemployment and job creation theory as the theoretical framework underpinning the study was also adopted. From the results revealed by the research on the short duration of employment training, this means the training is not accredited. With the length of training being less than six months in most cases, one can conclude that the jobs created by the Expanded Public Works Programme in the Thulamela Local Municipality are not sustainable. The respondents in the Thulamela Local Municipality received a gross household income of less than R1000 per month. Since the unemployment level is so high, one can conclude that most of these households' income is in the form of government grants. This means that the majority of the people living in the Thulamela Local Municipality are living below poverty line. The results revealed that the average wage paid per day is R88.00. This equates to R1760.00 per month which is below the living wage. These people are not economically active and on that level of income, they are forced to just survive. The study provided further insight about the challenges affecting EPWP, poor implementation, reviewing existing policies and crafting of communication strategy. The main research findings were that the EPWP had improved beneficiaries career opportunities. It highlighted the need for training, monitoring and evaluation of implementation, developing new policies, crafting a communication strategy and allocating resources according to the specifications for each project. The results indicated that improvements need to be put in place for the smooth implementation and monitoring and evaluation of the EPWP. Recommendations are made to the Department of Public Works and Roads and all three spheres of Government.