Dept’s EPWP learnership branded ‘waste of time’
POLOKWANE – A total of R31 million was allocated to the department of public works’ Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in April as part of the department’s 2013/14 budget, yet according to one of the learners recruited during the department’s 2011/12 intake, this programme was a waste of time and money. The learner was one …

POLOKWANE – A total of R31 million was allocated to the department of public works’ Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in April as part of the department’s 2013/14 budget, yet according to one of the learners recruited during the department’s 2011/12 intake, this programme was a waste of time and money.
The learner was one of 631 learners who were recruited by the department during this intake. “We all completed the one-year training required in the hope that the department would place us in the work field. But this was a waste of our time. We didn’t even get a lousy certificate to prove that we attended and passed the programme. None of us were employed. Talk about wasted time and emotion,” said the learner, who did not wish to be named for fear of victimisation.
Pat Kgomo, department spokesperson said the department was aware of the challenges faced by the students who took part in the EPWP learnership programme.
According to Kgomo, the learners were formally briefed on the matter regarding the issuing of certificates. He said the department was in partnership with the Construction Education Training Authority (Ceta), which is responsible for training in both theory and practicals, where the department provides projects where these practicals can be done.
“Learners have not received their certificates due to the dissatisfaction by Ceta on the practical exposure of the learners. It was resolved to assess the learners and test their level of capability versus the training. The department is doing all it can in liaising with Ceta for the process to be fast-tracked,” Kgomo said.
He added that people had to understand that the department’s intention was to empower young people through this initiative and it was not meant to be used as a recruitment strategy.
However Kgomo and Thabitha Mohlala, the former MEC for the department contradict each other.
During her budget speech for the department in April, Mohlala said a total of 132 297 work opportunities, of which 54 628 were full time equivalent, were planned for the provincial department and municipalities under the EPWP.
“In support of the opportunities created through EPWP, the department intends to use direct employment and learnerships to contribute to the EPWP target and 590 learners are already enrolled for artisan development programme. This was made possible by Ceta, who donated a discretion grant of R30 million to our department towards our artisan development programme. The artisan development programme is implemented in partnership with the Capricorn FET College and will mainly focus on masonry, carpentry, construction, electrical and plumbing,” Mohlala said.
She also said the department had set aside R242 million for the support services. “The overall budget for the 2013/14 financial for the department of public works is R877 million of which R31 million is allocated to the EPWP,” she said.