EPWP Expands Working on Infrastructure Programme to Limpopo

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has officially launched the Working on Infrastructure pilot programme, a new initiative aimed at reforming the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and creating sustainable pathways to permanent employment for unemployed South Africans. The programme was launched by Minister Dean Macpherson in Durban on 4 May 2026.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) reached another important milestone with the official launch of the Working on Infrastructure (WoI) Programme on 23 July 2026 in Burgersfort, Limpopo.

The launch was led by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, alongside the Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Mr Ernest Rachoene and Limpopo MEC for Agriculture Nakedi Kekana.

This second provincial rollout builds on the successful national pilot launched in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year and marks the beginning of the programme's expansion across South Africa.

Addressing attendees during the launch, Minister Macpherson emphasised government's commitment to reforming the EPWP and ensuring that opportunities are allocated fairly and transparently.

He emphasised that the programme is designed to create a pipeline of skilled, work-ready young people whose progress can be tracked, enabling employers to identify, recruit and absorb participants into the economy.

"And it must create a pipeline of young people whose skills, experience and progress can be tracked so that employers can identify, hire and absorb them into the economy. That is how we move EPWP from short-term survival towards long-term opportunity," the Minister said.

Among the dignitaries and delegates in attendance were: EPWP DDG, Ms Carmen-Joy Abrahams; traditional leaders; government officials; stakeholders; and community members.

The Working on Infrastructure Programme aims to transform the EPWP from a short-term employment initiative into a pathway for sustainable skills development and long-term employment. Therefore, the programme implementation will combine practical workplace experience with accredited training, mentorship and work-readiness support while focusing on the installation, repair and maintenance of public infrastructure.

In ensuring fair and transparent recruitment process of participants into the Working on Infrastructure Programme, the EPWP has partnered with Haraambee Youth Employment Accelerator to provide a transparent digital recruitment process through the SAYouth platform. This will help to eliminate unfair practices and ensure that opportunities are accessible to deserving young people.

The Limpopo rollout demonstrates the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure's commitment to strengthening infrastructure delivery while creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people in the province.

As implementation expands to more provinces, the Working on Infrastructure Programme is expected to play a significant role in building a skilled workforce that contributes to maintaining public infrastructure and supporting South Africa's economic growth.

The work opportunities created through the Working on Infrastructure Programme will be reported under the EPWP Infrastructure Sector.