Ramaphosa pledges five million new EPWP jobs
President Cyril Ramaphosa is promising five million job opportunities.
He says government will deliver them through the Extended Public Works Programme in the next five years.
He spoke at the launch of Phase Five of the programme in the Eastern Cape.
Ramaphosa said government will give the youth priority in public employment, artisan training, and entrepreneurship programs.
"Over these past five years, no less than R41 billion has been transferred to poor households, ensuring that participants and their households live above the poverty line.
"The activities EPWP participants have been engaged in go far beyond earning a livelihood to support themselves. They are contributing to building a better South Africa that is caring, that is united and that leaves no-one behind.
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"The EPWP is testimony to the vision of a developmental state that is pro-poor and is focused on tackling the root causes of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Today we heard encouraging testimonies from the beneficiaries of the programme.
"I have been to the exhibition stand. The stories there reflect the reach and impact of the EPWP in all nine provinces. This reminds us that despite the odds that we face, our government and social partners are working together to change the lives of the most vulnerable."
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