Date: 31/08/2005
Source: North West Provincial Government
Title: Yawa: Certificates Awarding Function to EPWP beneficiaries


Welcome speech by MEC for Public Works, honourable Mr Howard Yawa, MPL at the certificates awarding evening function to Mmabatho CBD paving EPWP beneficiaries at the Barolong boo-Ratshidi community hall in Mmabatho

Minister of Public Works - Honourable Nkosazana Stella Sigcau,
MP Kgosi Kgolo Motlotlegi Rre Montshioa,
Members of the Provincial legislature,
The Executive Mayor of the Central District Municipality - Hon Councillor W Mohulatsi Balekgotla la Barolong Boo-Ratshidi,
Honourable Councillors,
Senior Managers in government,
Ladies and Gentlemen

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) launched by the President in 2004 aims to deliver quality government services to communities in a labour intensive manner. It involves all spheres of government and state-owned enterprises, and has identified four sectors as offering potential EPWP employment opportunities, namely infrastructure, social, environmental and economic.

Though we are proud of the great strides we have made since the launch of the EPWP in the province last year, we are working hard to create longer-term projects especially in the sectors that are the backbone of the province's economy.

Today we are indeed proud to host the honourable Minister at this auspicious occasion that marks success of the first group of EPWP beneficiaries who were involved in the first phase of the Mmabatho Central Business District Paving and Landscaping Project.

This evening we celebrate the achievements of this first generation of EPWP beneficiaries who responded to the President's clarion call to acquire skills and to be involved in the reconstruction and development programme.

Through their determination and hard work, this youth seized the opportunity that my Department in partnership with Department of Labour and the Mafikeng Local Municipality offered them. Today they are aspirant entrepreneurs rearing to make a contribution in the development of their communities.

We are confident that the skills that Ramosadi and Thermo Prominent services imparted on these youth has laid a foundation for successful community development workers and successful businessmen and women.

As the revolutionary Franz Fanon said, "Each generation must discover its mission, fulfil it or betray it" as a department we commend the Youth of Mafikeng for choosing not to betray their mission but seized opportunities that democracy has presented to them.

We hope that as a collective you will continue to participate in our programmes to change the lives of our people. We hope that you will take whatever opportunities we are considering to sustain you beyond the Learnership because we want to see you succeed. We want to see you succeed because you represent the success story of the expanded public works programme.

Tomorrow another success story in job creation and empowerment through the expanded public works programme will be seen in the second phase of the Modimola Pilot Project which the Minister will visit.

We are indeed proud of pioneers of the people's contract to build a South Africa that truly belongs to all.

We welcome all of you.

Ke a leboga.

Issued by: Office of the MEC for Public Works, North West Provincial Government
31 August 2005