EPWP recruits 500 disabled workers
The inclusion follows the disabled community having expressed their dismay at being excluded from public works opportunities.
The metro’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has included 500 persons living with disabilities in its latest recruitment drive.
Deputy mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, announced this on August 30 during an address at the Sammy Marks Council Chambers with the participants to sign contracts for work placements beginning September.
The 500 form part of the 9 172 chosen participants selected from all seven regions of the metro.
Moya said the larger inclusion of persons living with disabilities was inspired by a meeting she had with disabled residents.
“Earlier this year, I met with concerned members of the disabled community who expressed their dismay about being excluded from public work opportunities. I heard their cries, and one of the issues picked up by my department’s EPWP Division was that there were often issues with how applications are compiled,” Moya said.
“This situation meant that many residents were unaware of the EPWP. The EPWP Division therefore conducted an extensive campaign to ensure that people living with disabilities were made aware of the programme,” said Moya.
In April, more than 4 000 EPWP participants could not be reached in a recent selection process due to their incorrect and outdated contact information.
Moya said one of the causes of the Lottery selection’s low and almost nonexistent uptake, is the inaccurate and outdated contact information recorded on the EPWP database.
“I am confident about the outcome of the EPWP Lottery process, which saw 9 172 residents chosen in July 2024. The City of Tshwane is determined to provide fair opportunities for all residents,” Moya said.
The chosen participants will be placed for workplace experience at various centres across Tshwane:
– Soshanguve Self-help Association of the Disabled
– Empowerment of the Blind
– Kitso Lesedi, Arcadia
– Ikageng Self-help Association of the Blind
– Legae la Bana
– Ikemiseng Care for the Blind
– Itireleng Residential Care Facility for the Disabled.
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