Minister Macpherson Commits to Bold EPWP Reform at Gauteng Listening Tour and Graduation Ceremony
By Tiisetso Ngoedi
Today, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson delivered a powerful keynote address during the Gauteng leg of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Listening Tour and National Youth Service (NYS) Graduation Ceremony, held at the Disaster Management Centre in Johannesburg.
According to the Minister, "This is not just about managing a programme. It is about restoring dignity and building real futures. We are not here to sugarcoat the truth, we are here to fix what is broken, root out corruption, and rebuild the EPWP into a programme that delivers dignity, not dependency," he said.
Emphasising the importance of accountability and honest dialogue, Minister Macpherson called for urgent reform of the two-decade-old EPWP to meet the evolving needs of communities and youth. He acknowledged the programme's value in providing work opportunities and dignity to vulnerable communities, while also highlighting its shortcomings - particularly allegations of political interference, corruption, and lack of sustainable outcomes. Macpherson stressed the need to transform the EPWP from a cycle of short-term contracts into a genuine launchpad into the formal economy.
The event also celebrated the achievements of NYS graduates who completed artisan training. "To our EPWP and National Youth Service graduates: you have not only endured; you have excelled. Your success is a powerful reminder that with the right support, potential can be turned into purpose for yourselves, your families, and your communities," the Minister added. 
The EPWP Listening Tour offered participants the opportunity to share their lived experiences, concerns, and ideas directly with the Minister. These insights will be instrumental in shaping the reform of the EPWP into a more transparent, impactful, and sustainable initiative.
The DID Chief Director: EPWP, Rae Davids expressed, "The Minister's EPWP Listening Tour and Graduation Ceremony not only celebrated the achievements and skills development of NYS graduates, but also created a vital platform for participants to directly share their experiences and concerns with the Minister. This engagement placed the heartfelt struggles of participants at the centre of discussions, helping to inform the direction of EPWP Phase 5. We welcome the Minister's intervention in listening and facilitating meaningful dialogue aimed at finding lasting solutions".
The event was attended by officials from the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (NDPWI), EPWP representatives across various sectors, councillors, and members of the local community.