Implementation of extended public works programme in South Africa : a case of labour routine maintenance in Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province

Abstract

Recent changes in the Municipalities have brought transformation. Ehlanzeni district is not excluded from this process. Due to high levels of unemployment in Mpumalanga, the National Government implemented a development initiative known as the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) to alleviate poverty in various municipalities. The study is concerned with the challenges faced by the officials in Ehlanzeni local Municipalities on the Management and Implementation of EPWP. Challenges such as lack of capacity building were cited by the officials in the department as a main obstacle to the implementation of EPWP in the area of the study. To investigate the above problem, the researcher has used a qualitative and quantitative research design to achieve the intended objective of the study. Stratified random sampling was also used to collect data from the target population. The questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data while the interviews were used to collect qualitative data. The study revealed that a lack of capacity building in the implementation of the Extended Public Works Programme was caused by insufficient resources, equipment, clarity of policy guidelines, nepotism, inadequate training programmes and managerial skills, and a lack of alternative strategy. These factors were regarded as the main problems that hinder the implementation of EPWP in the Ehlanzeni district. In conclusion, the study recommended the provision of capacity building and other related issues to enhance the implementation of EPWP at the Ehlanzeni Municipalities in Mpumalanga Province.