Question NW1813 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
25 August 2020 - NW1813
Komane, Ms RN to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
How will the comprehensive redesign of the Community Works Programme of her department support the skills of the labour force in a manner that contributes to the competitiveness of the South African economy and create sustainable decent employment?
Reply:
The redesign of the implementation model for the Community Work Programme (CWP) is aimed at achieving operational efficiencies and enhance development effectiveness. The redesign will contribute towards remodelling service delivery by refocussing the nature of useful work towards economic generating activities and those with a potential to contribute to youth employment. In this instance, business models will be explored that promote small business development opportunities for the youth. Emphasis will be on the formation of Cooperatives and training them to be viable and sustainable.
Through a partnership with the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), the participants will conduct useful work activities supporting infrastructure maintenance with technical oversight provided through MISA engineers.
Participants will acquire critical skills that have the potential to open other livelihood opportunities as they get trained as Artisans, Plumbers, Carpenters etc. The objective is to enhance the employability and self-employment prospects for the youth beyond the CWP.
A redesigned CWP will put emphasis on value-add with regard to training and links will be established with SETAs, TVET colleges and Universities by ensuring that training provided not only assist in improving the quality of useful work performed at site level, but that it contributes towards inclusive growth by equipping participants with skills that empowers them to either enter the formal economy or to be self-employed. Preference is given to women, youth and people with disabilities.
End.