Description
The Expanded Public Works Programme Social Sector (EPWP-SS), launched in 2004, aims to draw the unemployed into productive work in public sector social services, enabling them to earn an income; providing them with training and skills; and enabling them to find employment or self-employment. Programmes are implemented by national, provincial and local government. The Sector is coordinated by the Department of Social Development (DSD) while the Department of Public Works (DPW) acts as the overall coordinator of EPWP.
With the National Development Plan (NDP) indicating EPWP-SS as an area for potential expansion, the evaluation assessed implementation in Phase Two (2009/2010-2013/2014) and identified areas for improvement in Phase Three. The evaluation employed a mixed methods approach, drawing on data from interviews; focus groups; programme and committee documentation; and monitoring data, to evaluate the effectiveness of implementation. In light of implementation the evaluation commented on the likelihood of meeting objectives, expansion opportunities, and design considerations.
