SA: Andries Nel: Address by Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs, at a graduation ceremony of Expanded Public Works Programme and Community Work Programme participants in Mahikeng, North West (08/06/2018)

8th June 2018

SA: Andries Nel: Address by Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs, at a graduation ceremony of Expanded Public Works Programme and Community Work Programme participants  in Mahikeng, North West (08/06/2018)

Deputy Minister of Public Works

MEC of Roads and Public Works, Mmule Maluleke

Executive Mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, Betty Dikanyo

Senior officials from all the departments,

Graduates,

Dumelang, Goeie môre, Good morning

It is wonderful to be with you on this very special day.

South Africans are concerned about unemployment, especially youth unemployment, crime and corruption.

For this reason President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared 2018: “The year of unity, renewal and jobs.”
 
We must address these burning issues with the spirit and energy of Thuma Mina.
 
President Ramaphosa has called on government, labour, business, and civil society to work together to grow the economy, to create work, to fight crime and corruption.
 
During a visit to COGTA, President Ramaphosa emphasised that local government is everyone’s business, that CoGTA is “an engine of government” and “the glue between the people and government.”
 
The Community Work Programme (CWP) is a partnership to address unemployment, especially amongst young people and women, in this spirit of Thuma Mina!
 
We are proud to report that in 2017/18, ninety-five percent of the R3,6 billion budgeted for CWP went to create 260, 000 work opportunities, exceeding our target of 237, 265. CWP is now active in 238 sites covering all local and district municipalities.
 
By the end of February 2018 - R1,8 billion had gone directly into the pockets of participants.
 
CWP has experienced major administrative challenges. Since former Minister Pravin Gordhan delegated it to me in 2014 we have made it clear that corruption will not be tolerated. The turnaround has been slow but sure and the number of audit queries continues to decrease. We note with concern recent reports of irregularities in the selection of NPOs. We will ensure that any allegations are investigated and dealt with.
 
As a result of partnerships:
 
CWP has reduced violence against women and children in Orange Farm, Cape Town, Thembisa and Ivory Park. Danke schön, GIZ-Germany and the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) for the partnership.
 
Sixteen young CWP participants with matric, who were cleaning classrooms at schools, now have Grade R Teaching Diplomas. Re a leboga North West University.
 
CWP participants are being trained to establishing cooperatives. Mille grazzia City of Reggio Emilia in Italy and the Department of Small Business Development.
 
Skills development is important. In February alone, 343 participants, from Chris Hani and Amathole in the Eastern Cape received accredited training as artisans.
 
It is a great honour for us to celebrate and congratulate all the students for their hard work and perseverance which has resulted in them being called graduates today.
 
This day is a product of a partnership between EPWP and the LGSETA.
 
We appreciate that this partnership has also benefited the Community Work Programme, where 55 of the 146 graduates are from the CWP and have successfully completed their environmental training.
 
We would like to congratulate all the graduates for all the hard work and dedicated effort they have put in their studies.
 
South Africa awaits educated citizens to contribute in addressing the triple challenges faced by our country, namely poverty, inequality and unemployment:
 
President Ramaphosa has emphasized the importance exemplified what President Ramaphosa said recently at the launch of the Youth Employment Service:
 
“All the successful people took the time to read. I now read 30 books a year...Those who listen often come back to me and say Mr President, you have encouraged me to read. I have a cousin who reads a book a week.”
 
“If you want to be successful, read. Even when you go to the loo to do the number two, take a book and then wash your hands after that. Don’t wash the book.”
 
You are a true demonstration that indeed “It is possible to succeed in your studies when you put the effort”.
 
We would like to mention that on the 5th April 2018 we had 16 CWP participants, 6 of which are from NW province, obtained their 3 year Grade R Diploma.
 
They were doing useful work by cleaning the classrooms and assisting in teaching.
 
Through a partnership with the North West University the participants were able to enroll at the institution and despite their challenging situation, successfully completed their studies.
 
Education and training are the key to success, we wish you all the best for the future.
 
We want you to succeed and we want you to make South Africa succeed.

I thank you.