A Bloemfontein woman has secured permanent employment in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) after having participated in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Annekie De Wee was appointed as a security admin officer at DPWI's Bloemfontein Regional Office after completing the EPWP General Security Practice Learnership.

"The training I received from the EPWP learnership included proper use of security equipment, conducting security patrols and handling complaints and problems. The training covered both theoretical and practical aspects of security work," De Wee said.

She pointed out that upon completing the training, she applied for a vacant security admin position in the department and was subsequently appointed to the position.

"I must state that before joining the EPWP, I had already completed Grade C security training. So during the interview, I displayed a wider understanding of security work," she said.

De Wee said she will never forget the day she received the good news that she had been placed.

“The phone call came through while I was at the doctor's office...as I was waiting for the doctor to attend to my son the phone rang and the official on the line told me I had been hired. I was so elateds, I looked at my son and with a big smile I said: Mommy just got a job,''" De Wee said.

"I couldn't contain my excitement. I even shared the good news with the doctor," she beamed.

Explaining her first day at work, De Wee said she was made to feel at home as her supervisor introduced her to officials within the unit and was also taken through some of the activities that were expected to be performed in her duties.

As a security officer in the department, some of the tasks that she performs include security vetting of officials, taking fingerprints of officials who have just been hired, manning the security control area and providing general security services in the department.

De Wee encouraged community members who are currently participating in the EPWP to use the programme to create a better life for themselves.

"I appeal to participants to not underestimate the value of the EPWP. I urge them to look beyond the monthly stipend but rather to focus on the bigger picture...they must use the EPWP as a springboard to reach for their dreams," she added.

The manager responsible for EPWP Training at DPWI's Bloemfontein Regional Office, Rose Dichakane, explained that De Wee was one of the 22 participants who were part of the training.

She said the training was initiated by the regional office and was funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF).

"Although the learnership was initially for a duration of 12 months, it was extended for an additional six months because at that time there was a shortage of security officers in our regional office.

“When a vacancy for one security officer was advertised, all the participants applied and after the interviews, De Wee was the one who was appointed," Dichakane said.

She elaborated that while De Wee was the only one appointed by DPWI, she had received reports that some learners had also obtained employment with various private companies in the Free State.

The manager responsible for the learnership in the department, Thapelo Sedupane, said De Wee's appointment to the department proved that EPWP does contribute to sustainable livelihoods.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one of Government’s medium to long-term strategies to reduce unemployment and alleviate poverty through the creation of work opportunities using labour-intensive methods.

The EPWP is implemented in four sectors namely: Infrastructure, Social, Environment & Culture and Non-State. All spheres of government and State-Owned Entities are expected to implement the Programme.

The EPWP Participants (beneficiaries) work in different projects like Community Work Programme (CWP), Early Childhood Development Programmes, Home Community Based Care Programmes, Extra School Support Programmes, Working on Fire, Working for Water, Roads Maintenance Projects, etc.

Through various skills and training that the participants receive from the EPWP, they (participants) stand a better chance to enter the formal job market and/or become entrepreneurs.

The EPWP has contributed in alleviating poverty through the creation of work and training opportunities for the poor and unemployed South Africans.

The programme has also contributed to the development and upliftment of communities through the delivery of community beneficial assets and services.

Source: South African Government News Agency