Deputy Minister urges State Departments to be innovative in fighting unemployment

Article by Shudufhadzo Mudau, Pictures by Thokozani Ngema

The second day of the Integrated Service Delivery and Oversight Programme, bringing together the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and its Free State provincial counterpart, got underway in Mangaung with a focus on strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, improving service delivery and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, and Free State MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Dibolelo Mance, were joined by Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai from the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency, as well as several Members of the Mayoral Committee from Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

The day's programme commenced at the Grootvlei Maximum Correctional Centre, where political principals and officials received presentations on intergovernmental operations and service delivery across the three spheres of government in Bloemfontein. The engagement formed part of a broader programme aimed at identifying service delivery challenges, strengthening cooperation between government institutions and monitoring the implementation of key projects.

Addressing officials and stakeholders, Deputy Minister Zikalala urged government departments to adopt a more developmental and innovative approach to project implementation and job creation. He said public servants must focus on ensuring that projects are not only properly planned but are also implemented successfully and brought to completion. The Deputy Minister stressed that government programmes could not continue operating in the same way they had in the past, particularly at a time when unemployment remains one of the country's most pressing challenges.

Rethinking the Expanded Public Works Programme

Deputy Minister Zikalala said the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which has been implemented for more than two decades, must evolve to deliver more sustainable opportunities for its participants. “People need to be trained thoroughly in productive skills so that they can either create their own job opportunities or be integrated into government or the private sector after their participation in the EPWP,” he said.

Oversight of correctional facilities

As part of the programme, Deputy Minister Zikalala, Deputy Minister Mohai and MEC Mance conducted an oversight visit to the Mangaung Correctional Service Centre. The visit reinforced government's commitment to safe and functional facilities, dignified conditions for inmates and officials, rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as responsive public infrastructure. The principals were afforded an opportunity to assess the condition of the facility and consider infrastructure-related matters that contribute to the effective functioning of correctional services.

Taking service delivery to communities

The programme also included a community engagement initiative in Mangaung, where the team joined EPWP participants and community members in practical service-delivery activities. The activities included tree planting, pothole repairs and the cleaning of public spaces. Beyond improving the local environment and contributing to safer roads and cleaner communities, the initiatives provided work and skills-development opportunities for EPWP participants.

Assessing infrastructure and developing artisans

The programme concluded with visits to provincial and national DPWI workshops, where Deputy Minister Zikalala and MEC Mance assessed the state of existing infrastructure and engaged with artisan trainees. The visit focused on plans to refurbish the workshops and improve the facilities in which artisans are trained and supported.