Implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme

Most developing countries are faced with tripartite challenges which are unemployment, poverty, and inequality. South Africa (SA) is one of them where causes are manifold and complex. SA, as a developmental state, has to balance economic growth and social development. Post 1994, the African National Congress (ANC)-led government introduced the expanded public works programme (EPWP) which is implemented in phases across nine Provinces. Factors that necessitated the EPWP in SA are identified and described in this book. Challenges experienced by the coordinating bodies, implementing bodies and data managers during the implementation of the EPWP across four provinces namely Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng and North West are elucidated. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used when obtaining data. Small-medium-micro enterprises (SMMEs) created, trainings supported, work opportunities (WOs), and full time equivalents (FTEs) created (2004 – 2014) are identified. Published figures from the Department of Public Works (DPW) reports and on the websites of relevant organisations were analysed. Recommendations and remedial actions to identified challenges are also highlighted.