An in-depth analysis of selected EPWP Projects and cases studies through EPWP Phases

The purpose of this report is to present the results of an assessment of selected Expanded Public Works Programmes (EPWP) implemented since 2004. The programmes described were extracted from the EPWP annual reports (State of Expanded Public Works Programme in South African Cities) for the years 2004 to 2018. The assessment focused on a range of themes including best practices in planning, implementing and monitoring EPWPs. Through an analysis of the EPWP annual reports, this report identifies challenges and gaps faced by the cities in implementing the programmes. Each of the four EPWP phases (which each span five-year intervals) were assessed and analysed based on their set targets. The aim, objectives, implementation, key projects and challenges for each phase are presented in the report. The aim was to understand how to improve the EPWP’s effectiveness in creating work opportunities and alleviating poverty through skills development. Projects were selected for review based on their scale and the availability of consistent data. The sections of this report dealing with the programmes reviewed give the reasons why they succeeded or failed.

This report is one of three recent Expanded Public Works Programme resources developed by the South African Cities Network and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in 2021. See also The State of the Expanded Public Works Programme in SA Cities 2019-2020 Report and A how-to guide of running effective Expanded Public Works Programmes (a major goal for the study). Other EPWP resources are available on the SACN's website.