Bitou Municipality Engages with Expanded Public Works Programme Leaders to Bolster Local Employment and Skills Development

Bitou Municipality's commitment to improving local employment and social development took a significant step forward this Wednesday during an engagement session with representatives from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The event, featuring high-level discussions and presentations, was held at the New Horizon Community Hall and saw participation from National and Provincial Department officials of Public Works as well as the local community.

This engagement comes at a pivotal moment, led by the municipality's ground-breaking all-female leadership team. Executive Mayor Councillor Jessica Kamkam, who made history as the first woman mayor since South Africa's democracy, is steadfastly steering the council alongside Deputy Mayor Councillor Nokuzola Kolwapi and Council Speaker Councillor Mavis Busakwe. These leaders collectively underscored the EPWP's central role not just in job creation but also as a catalyst for imparting valuable skills and reinstating dignity among the people, particularly within disadvantaged populations.

The EPWP is being touted as an essential initiative in the fight against critical societal issues such as rampant unemployment, daunting service delivery backlogs, endemic poverty, and the need for greater social cohesion. The pragmatic presentations at the meeting highlighted the program's versatility and its evolution over the years, underscoring the notable improvements that have been achieved in terms of operational standards and outcome delivery.

Mayor Kamkam and her team addressed concerns from the audience regarding internal administrative processes, reporting deadlines, and the focus and criteria of various reports. The leadership acknowledged these challenges, affirming their dedication to overcoming them for the betterment of the program and its beneficiaries.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Kolwapi, in her poignant closing remarks, reflected on the strict standards upheld by EPWP officials, drawing parallels with her previous experiences in community-driven initiatives. Despite acknowledging that EPWP's opportunities are inherently temporary, she urged a shift in perspective, calling for a recognition of the program as a gateway to broader opportunities for community members.

As the Bitou Municipality continues to navigate the challenges of leadership, service delivery, and program implementation, this engagement session marks a forward-looking approach towards inclusive and empowering local governance.