A city-wide EPWP project is providing jobseekers temporary employment and practical working experience at City swimming pools.

Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg, on 10 March 2022, visited Wynberg Swimming Pool to meet EPWP recruits contracted to work at that facility.

A total of 377 work opportunities will be created within the current project (266 for the 2021/22 financial year) at City swimming pools. The total budget for the project is approximately R17 million.

Recruits are gaining working experience in roles such as cashiers, clerks, and supervisors, while others are benefitting from practical experience in operation and management of filtration plants and pool maintenance. The project has also allowed for appointment of additional cleaners at these facilities.

In addition, 99 employees on this project have successfully completed a two-day First Aid – Level 1 training course and have been issued with certificates of competence.

‘I will always take an opportunity to see the EPWP programme in action. EPWP has already given so much hope and so many opportunities. It is a privilege to play even a small part in transforming the lives of beneficiaries. You also never know what insight you will gain engaging with staff on the frontline of service delivery.

‘Thousands of EPWP candidates have taken this opportunity and used it as a launchpad to permanent employment, both in the City and in the private sector. For South Africa to prosper, we need to help each other grow, and the City is proud to be a part of this effort,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.

The City’s public swimming pools host thousands of visitors during summer and are among the most popular recreational facilities.

‘Given the seasonal nature of the facilities, the EPWP recruits play a crucial role in ensuring that we are able to meet the needs of our clients and offer them a quality experience at our City facilities. It really is a two-way street where the staff members receive valuable training, but also help lighten the load of our permanent staffing complement over the very busy summer season. We thank them for their contribution,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

Source: City Of Cape Town