Residents have until Tuesday, 30 November to submit comments on the proposed amendments to the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Jobseekers Database policies, which are under review.

Residents are encouraged to comment as this will be key to the City improving its services to communities.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) seeks to alleviate poverty, provide economic relief and unlock opportunities through temporary work opportunities.

Residents can register on the City’s Jobseekers database and apply for temporary jobs through the EPWP.

The EPWP and the Jobseekers Database are guided by the following City policies:

• Implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Policy
• Management of the Jobseekers Database Policy

The City is in the process of reviewing these policies, and we want the public’s feedback on the proposed changes. As an Inclusive City and in terms of section 17 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, members of the public can submit comments to the municipality in respect of the proposed changes.

The City has been embarking on a public awareness campaign since 24 May 2021 and conducts regular stakeholder sessions in all subcouncils. We will also have pop-up information tables in various communities, to allow unemployed people to register on the Jobseekers Database as well as update their personal information.

The City is encouraging the public to visit these venues to obtain more information about the proposed amendments to ensure that the City has the most recent information on its database should they need to be contacted for job opportunities.

All those still interested in EPWP work opportunities must update their details every 12 months, as the City will start with the deactivation of details older than 12 months in the new calendar year. This means that from the adoption of the new policies, all details older than 12 months will be put aside until those linked to them come to the relevant offices to update their details.

This will occur on every new calendar year.  Some of the proposed changes include increased accountability of those assigned to lead the implementation of the EPWP in the City and increased responsibility on jobseekers when it comes to updating their details on the database.

Access to the summary of the proposed key changes are below:

• Implementation of the EPWP Policy – Summary of Key Changes
• Management of the Jobseekers Database Policy – Summary of Key Changes

Source: City Of Cape Town