Uthukela District Municipality, located in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, has taken a bold and commendable step in addressing two of South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges: unemployment and poverty. Through its active participation in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), the municipality is not only creating job opportunities but also equipping residents with skills and experiences that empower them far beyond the duration of the programme.
THE VISION BEHIND THE PROGRAMME:
The EPWP is a national initiative aimed at providing temporary work opportunities to unemployed South Africans while delivering much-needed public services. Uthukela District Municipality’s adoption of the programme reflects a strong commitment to inclusive development, social upliftment, and sustainable livelihoods. This initiative specifically targets the most vulnerable members of society—youth, women, and persons with disabilities—who are often disproportionately affected by poverty and lack of access to formal employment.
KEY FEATURES OF THE UTHUKELA EPWP INITIATIVE:
The programme in Uthukela is multi-faceted, addressing various sectors through carefully designed projects. These include:
- Infrastructure Projects: Participants are engaged in construction and maintenance of community assets such as roads, schools, clinics, and stormwater systems.
- Environmental and Social Programmes: These include community clean-up campaigns, waste management, conservation work, and social support services like home-based care.
- Training and Development: Each participant receives accredited training aligned with their work assignments, ensuring they leave the programme more employable than when they entered.
Through these projects, participants not only earn a modest income but also gain valuable work experience, which enhances their CVs and improves their prospects for future employment or entrepreneurship.
POSITIVE IMPACTS ON COMMUNITIES:
The impact of the EPWP in Uthukela is tangible. Families that once had no source of income now have breadwinners contributing to household welfare. Communities benefit from improved infrastructure and services, and the local economy is stimulated through increased consumer spending. Furthermore, the training provided has led to many former participants transitioning into permanent jobs, business ventures, or further education.
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESS:
To be eligible for the programme:
- Minimum of Grade 10 qualification, applicants must reside within the jurisdiction of Uthukela District Municipality,
- Must be unemployed and not receiving old age grant and must be in possession of valid South African identity document.
- The candidate must be willing to participate in the council’s EPWP Maintenance Programme and to work under pressure in different environments under the auspices of municipal driven co-operative approach.
DUTIES TO BE UNDERTAKEN:
Successful candidates are expected to undertake any work specified within the District Municipality not limited to general maintenance duties in different municipal areas, such as the following:
Project 1 – Water Service Delivery Intervention (Infrastructure Sector) 62 (work opportunities) X R126. 64 (daily rate) X 12 (Working Days) for 12 months)
Project 2 – uThukela Environmental Impact (Environmental Sector) 17 (work opportunities) X R126. 64 (daily rate) x 12 (Working Days) for 12 months)
Project 3 – uThukela Health Promotion (Social Sector) 17 (work opportunities) X R126. 64 (daily rate) X 12 (Working Days) for 12 months)
COMPULSORY REQUIREMENTS:
Candidate must submit an application form which is available at municipal offices along with certified ID document, Proof of residence from a ward councillor as well as copies of education qualification (if any). No CV’s are required.
APPLICATIONS:
Applications should be hand delivered at Uthukela District Municipality
DOWNLOAD THE UTHUKELA MUNICIPALITY EPWP POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMME FOR 2025 ADVERT HERE
A Model for Inclusive Development
The Uthukela District Municipality’s EPWP is a shining example of how local government can drive inclusive growth. By combining public service delivery with human development, the municipality is transforming lives and planting the seeds for long-term economic resilience. This initiative underscores the power of well-executed public programmes to change the course of communities plagued by historical disadvantage.
With unemployment and poverty posing significant hurdles to development in South Africa, initiatives like the Uthukela District Municipality’s EPWP serve as a beacon of hope. It demonstrates that with political will, strategic planning, and community involvement, meaningful change is not only possible—it is already happening.
Enquiries: Human Resources – 036 – 6385100
CLOSING DATE: 20 JUNE 2025
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE