Pretoria – Access to an employment safety net will continue to be required by vulnerable South Africans to complement other social assistance programmes in these tough economic times, says Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Deputy Minister Andries Nel.
The Deputy Minister on Monday engaged with communities as part of the Community Work Programme (CWP) through more than 50 community radio stations across the country. The engagement was facilitated by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
Deputy Minister Nel said even if the economy starts to expand rapidly to create new jobs, its impact might take time to reach the most marginal areas and groupings.
The Community Work Programme, Deputy Minister Nel said, will also be rolled out through a number of platforms and channels, such as advertising, to reach communities across the country. CWP targets unemployed people and the underemployed.
“The participants receive payments that supplement their existing livelihood strategies and provides them with a basic level of income security. It also assists those whose livelihood activities are insufficient to lift them out of poverty. The CWP complements government’s existing social protection initiatives.
“It is a component of the Expanded Public Work Programme (EPWP) designed to ensure that people with limited alternatives can rely on a minimum level of regular work to provide a predictable income stream,” said the department.
Based on the discussions and questions received from the people who called in throughout the broadcast with Deputy Minister Nel, the department said communities are interested in being part of CWP.
“Other callers expressed their sincere appreciation to government for assisting them to put food on the table,” said the department.
The programme, the department said, contributes to community development and improves the quality of life in poorer communities. “It focuses on work tasks that uplift and support communities, while at the same time, ensuring that participants acquire skills.”
The programme includes projects such as renovating community facilities, repairing community infrastructure, establishing and tending community gardens, looking after orphans or vulnerable children, helping the sick, assisting teachers in schools, taking care of children of working parents and working with the local police to improve safety and reduce crime.
The department said the CWP will continue to provide a safety net, empower participants with new skills and opportunities, restore dignity, and reduce unemployment and poverty in rural areas.
The department has called on communities to support CWP, as it helps to eradicate poverty and develop communities.
Communities can get more information about the CWP on the toll-free number on 0800 746 747 or info@cogta.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
