City recruits 1 700 locals for employment
In his State of the City Address in April, Xhakaza pledged to absorb 3 000 locals into the EPEP. The first cohort, introduced in May, comprised just over 1 400 participants.
The CoE welcomed more than 1 700 recruits to its Ekurhuleni Presidential Employment Programme (EPEP) and Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) during an induction ceremony at the Germiston Stadium on November 18.
Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, MMC for Development Planning and Real Estate Nomadlozi Nkosi, and MMC for Corporate Shared Services Sivuyile Ngodwana greeted the recruits, marking the start of their journey in the city’s workforce.
In his State of the City Address in April, Xhakaza pledged to absorb 3 000 locals into the EPEP. The first cohort, introduced in May, comprised just over 1 400 participants.
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The event marked the onboarding of the second cohort.
“The CoE remains dedicated to fostering growth, development and service delivery through initiatives like the EPEP and EPWP. These programmes aim to positively impact the community while shaping the future workforce,” said Xhakaza.
Addressing the recruits, the mayor stressed the value of this opportunity.
“This is a chance to kick-start your career, and you should treat it as such. While the contracts might be short-term, the skills and experience you gain will be long-lasting.
“The six months to one year of experience provided by the EPEP is a critical step in meeting the requirements often sought by employers,” he said.
The EPEP reflects the city’s contribution to the Presidential jobs programme and the Gauteng provincial Nasi iSpani initiative (a job platform).
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The recruits will receive essential training to enhance their employability and prepare them for future work opportunities.
Since 2021, the EPWP and EPEP have collectively benefitted 7 000 residents, serving as vital tools to address unemployment, promote social development, and provide temporary work opportunities.
