FREEDOM DAY COMMEMORATION HIGHLIGHTS DIGNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY IN MPOPHOMENI

Article by Maanea Maselesele and Pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

04 May 2026

Today - Minister Dean Macpherson led an official launch of the first pilot programme of the Working on Infrastructure initiative, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The launch marked a significant step in government effort to reform public employment programmes and expand sustainable work opportunities for young South Africans.

The programme will be spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). It will be rolled out in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo province. Its focus will be on equipping unemployed youth with practical skills, workplace exposure and targeted support to improve long-term employability. It will further focus on Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM). The pilot will use existing EPWP funding more strategically to provide accredited technical refresher training, work-readiness preparation, practical placement, mentorship and certification, while also contributing on the maintenance of public infrastructure.

Addressing the guests at the launch, Minister Macpherson said the pilot is a direct response to EPWP ‘Listening Tours’. It gives practical effect to government commitment to turn EPWP opportunities into permanent employment. “The initiative forms part of the Department’s broader reform agenda to restore credibility to the EPWP, eliminate corruption, abuse, as well as to ensure that public employment programmes deliver meaningful outcomes”. A key innovation of the pilot is the use of the SAYouth platform as official recruitment channel. This will enable transparent sourcing of participants, stronger profile matching and improved monitoring of beneficiaries' progress. In addition, participants will receive personal protective equipment, toolboxes and structured workplace exposure through municipalities, provincial departments, small businesses and industry partners.

The programme is designed with clear transition opportunities beyond the placement period. Participants will be linked to employment, micro-enterprise development, further education and broader industry advancement pathways.

EPWP Deputy Director-General, Carmen Joy Abrahams, expressed enthusiasm about the implementation of the pilot, she said the Department looks forward to working with partners to ensure meaningful impact. The official launch programme was attended by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, Free State MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Dibolelo Mance, Acting DG of DPWI, Mandla Sithole as well as leadership from eThekwini Municipality, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, National Business Initiative and the Construction Industry Development Board.

Through Working on Infrastructure, the Department is laying the foundation for a more transparent, accountable and skills-driven EPWP.