The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson on Thursday launched the Limpopo rollout of the Working on Infrastructure Programme, an initiative aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people, equipping them with practical skills and rooting out corruption within the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The launch was held at the Moses Mabotha Community Hall in Ga-Nkoana Village under the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality in the Sekhukhune area. The minister was joined by Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Ernest Rachoene, Queen Manyaku Thulare of the Bapedi Kingdom, government officials, municipal leaders and community members.
The programme forms part of government’s broader strategy to transform the EPWP from a short-term employment initiative into a platform that prepares participants for permanent jobs and entrepreneurship.
Addressing the gathering, Macpherson said the programme is intended to restore public confidence in the EPWP by addressing corruption and administrative weaknesses that have undermined its effectiveness over the years.
He said government wants to ensure that beneficiaries receive meaningful training, practical workplace experience, and opportunities that improve their prospects of securing long-term employment in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
The programme will focus on providing participants with technical skills relevant to infrastructure development, including road maintenance, construction, building maintenance, and other labour-intensive public works projects required across Limpopo.
Macpherson said infrastructure investment should not only result in new roads, schools and public buildings but should also leave behind a skilled workforce capable of contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Tonny Ernest Rachoene welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen service delivery while creating opportunities for young people to gain valuable workplace experience.
He said the province remains committed to ensuring that infrastructure projects benefit local communities through job creation, skills development, and the empowerment of emerging contractors and small businesses.
Queen Manyaku Thulare also welcomed the programme, urging young people to seize the opportunity to acquire skills that would enable them to build sustainable careers and contribute to the development of their communities.
Government believes the Working on Infrastructure Programme will play a significant role in reducing youth unemployment, improving service delivery, and ensuring greater accountability in the implementation of public works projects across Limpopo.
At the launch, government also announced plans to built a mental hospital. The planned 28-bed mental health hospital is one of the strategic infrastructure projects intended to improve access to specialised mental healthcare in Limpopo while also creating employment and skills development opportunities.
