The office of the mayor together with the Corporate Payroll Institution (CPI) have joined forces to create jobs, alleviate poverty and offer skills development to the people of Matjhabeng. 

The EPWP initiative will be aimed at people aged between 18 and 35 with a minimum of at least gr.12, although Managing Director of CPI Lize Labuschagne said that the initiative would not exclude those who did not have gr. 12.  

The EPWP assists every unemployed person who is available to work - it is all about skills transfer, said Labuschagne.

Systems Manager of the CPI Francois Labuschagne said that the EPWP would not only focus on roads infrastructure, but would focus on other programmes that would have a great and immediate impact on the community of Matjhabeng.

Executive mayor of Matjhabeng, Sebenzile Ngangelizwe emphasized that the EPWP initiative is targeting the youth and women of Matjhabeng. He also urged for support from the ward council committee, community liaison officers and other community key stakeholders.

EPWP works at a ratio of 15:3, so for every R3 million allocated it will create 15 jobs. 

Nthatisi Motlokoa/OFM News correspondent