Message of acknowldgement and purpose of the day address by MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi on the occasion of the EPWP Phase V launch and 20 years celebration of EPWP held at Brits Sports Grounds Brits, 02 May 2024...

Programme Director, MMC of Roads and Transport in Madibeng Local municipality
Chairperson of House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgosi Maotwe
MaKgosi a rona,
Acting Premier of the North West Province, Patrick Dumile Maloyi
Deputy Minister of Public Works and Roads, Bernice Swarts
All Members of the Executive Council (MECs)
District Executive Mayors, Executive Mayors and Mayors of Local Municipalities
Speakers
Members of the Mayoral Committees (MMCs)
Director General and DDGs present,
Chief Executive Officers
Heads of Departments, Municipal Managers
Senior Managers and Officials from various Government Departments
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

This morning, I have a simple task to first and foremost to acknowledge the presence of the Acting Premier, Hon. Patrick Nono Dumile Maloyi I also take this moment to acknowledge the attendance of the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Bernice Swarts. I must indicate that the support and presence of the Acting Premier and Deputy Minister gives courage and adds the necessary drive to ensure that we champion the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to its ultimate objective, which is to add our contribution to the target of creating over 5 million jobs by the year 2029 as declared by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa.

I want to acknowledge the presence of MaKgosi a Rona, led by the Chairperson of the House of Traditional and Khoi San Leaders, Kgosi Maotwe. The support that MaKgosi give to our government continue does not go unnoticed and in that we thank you for your guidance. MaKgosi bridge the gap that often arise between government and communities in general, and rural communities in particular. This is a special role understood mostly by infrastructure and service delivery departments. My Colleagues (MECs) who have made time to attend the launch and celebrate with us, I acknowledge all of you in no other of preference. Indeed working together we continue to register important milestone towards Growing the North West Province Together.

We send acknowledge to various District and Executive Mayor which remain an important force towards achieving a coherent government. The role of Executive Mayors, Mayors and members of Troika, particularly the Office of the Speaker play an important role in the District Development Model. It is prudent therefore to acknowledge your presence and contribution to have assisted the Department of Public Works and Roads to have achieve this milestones. MMCs responsible for infrastructure and other present MMCs you are acknowledged. Other Sector Bodies lead by their CEOs and HODs I acknowledge your presence. I also acknowledge all officials in attendance but most importantly wand to recognize our participants.

Lastly, we are gathered to celebrate two decades of governments’ massive employment creation and skills development initiative. The programme is celebrating two decades under the theme “EPWP – 20 Years of Changing Lives and Building Better Communities”. It is a fact that many of us know one or more individuals that have benefited from the Expanded Public Works Programme since its inception in 2004. I am confident that the as we unveil the new cohort of EPWP we will get a better understanding of what the programme entails and how it has been improved and rebranded over the years to achieve its objectives. Our participants will also share their lived journey and experiences in the programme so that we get to understand impact of EPWP in our lives.  The Department of Public Works and roads has committed to contribute OVER 15 000 PARTICIPANTS for the year under review. The number that you see today is an indication of our commitment to achieve the target and change the lives of our youth, change socio-economic conditions of our communities and empower our communities through skills development. 

Today, you will get to understand the Exit Strategy that is in place to remedy what could have been some of the issues that were shortfalls of the programme. The participation of various departments have already contributed in the sharing of more information and available opportunities for participants outside the Department of Public Works and Roads. The intake of the EPWP Phase V is important in the upkeep of our towns, improvement of roads infrastructure through routine roads maintenance and also ensuring that government property remains in a good condition. I am delighted to see all of us gathered to celebrate and commit to the success of EPWP Phase 5.

We have started a ground breaking agenda to improve the programme for the better, Re Tsogile – Re a Dira.

Thank you.

 Ends

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