THE Alexandra Stadium was the centre of song and dance as members of the Community Works Programme bade each other farewell for the festive season.
The event is held annually, and this time it brought together 1 300 workers from 12 Region E wards in a festive occasion before many of them depart home for traditional family gatherings.
The event co-ordinator Cedric Chauke said it was most befitting for the programme to celebrate its achievements for the year. This included the provision of home-based care to the terminally ill, supporting senior citizens, cleaning the streets, clearing rubbish dumps and facilitating sports development in schools.
He said the programme, which is funded by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, uses volunteers who only receive stipends. This has increased from R568 to R750 for eight days of work per month per person over a three-year grant cycle.
Chauke added that the work opportunity was temporary, but provided members with skills when searching for more permanent jobs. They receive accredited certificates in various skills after completing their time. This gives others an opportunity to gain income and work experience while cleaning up the environment.
