EPWP initiative in Ceres enriches lives | Western Cape Government

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EPWP initiative in Ceres enriches lives

4 July 2016

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has made it possible for 17 people from Tulbagh, Ceres and Wolseley to complete a 10-month accredited training course in horticulture, while gaining practical experience working for the Witzenberg Municipality. A certificate ceremony was held in Ceres on 1 July 2016 to celebrate this achievement.

This Environmental and Culture Sector initiative was jointly funded and implemented by the national Department of Public Works, the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW), and Witzenberg Municipality.

The training course is accredited by the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA). Course topics included:

  • Creating an awareness of environmental protection,
  • Applying health and safety principles in horticulture,
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the importance of water in horticulture and the water requirements of various plants,
  • Watering plants in landscaped areas
  • Mowing lawns in landscaped areas, and
  • Controlling weeds manually in plant propagation and landscaping.

Monica Filander from Wolseley says she was grateful for this opportunity.

“I learned so much over the last ten months, and also enjoyed being in the workplace. I was responsible for cleaning landscaped areas, and this helped me to be conscious about the environment,” she said.

Henry du Toit from Ceres was the supervisor for a group of workers mowing lawns.

“Horticulture taught me so much about the environment, and the small steps we can take to make a difference. I enjoyed every aspect of the training course, as well as on-the-job training. I am confident that this will open doors for me in future,” he said.

The EPWP provides employment for a limited period supplemented by appropriate skills training. This on-the-job experience and training helps EPWP participants to be in a better position to become employed.

At the end of July, another certificate ceremony will be held in Ceres for 73 EPWP beneficiaries who have successfully completed ten months of work on various EPWP programmes at the Witzenberg Municipality.

DTPW will continue to fund and support EPWP initiatives across Western Cape municipalities, tertiary institutions, and other potential sites for job creation. These initiatives help to give effect to Provincial Strategic Goal 1: “create opportunities for growth and jobs”.

Media Enquiries: 

Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za

You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW