The North West province would focus its attention on the existing Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) in efforts to root out unemployment among youth, Premier Supra Mahumapelo has advised.  

Addressing the three-day Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD) Skills Development Lekgotla in Potchefstroom, Mahumapelo said the province would refocus the EPWP programme from being mainly about the cleaning of environment to being innovation focused and skills development driven.  “The refocused EPWP will … ponder the extension of the employment contract from 12 to 24 months, to enable beneficiaries sufficient time to be trained before being released for their actual work through applicable recruitment processes,” Mahumapelo indicated.  The newly refocused EPWP will be rolled out before the end of the quarter.

• Read this report in full at SA Govt News Agency
• Read too, North West prioritises skills development for youth, at SABC News

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