Examining the Expanded Public Works Programme in the Limpopo Province of South Africa

Unemployment, skills shortage, and poverty are a few of the numerous problems ravaging the African continent. Out of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN), goals 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 10 are specifically focused on addressing most of the socio-economic aspects of human life. To mitigate these socio-economic issues, initiatives and programmes are strategically established and funded with support from international governmental and non-governmental organizations. Hence, the establishment of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) by the South African government. This paper is aimed at assessing the EPWP in South Africa using the Limpopo province as a case study. The study examined the barriers hindering the effectiveness of the EPWP and the ways of enhancing the effectiveness of the programme. The quantitative research method was employed in the study. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to 104 relevant EPWP stakeholders (officials and beneficiaries). Findings from the study identified eighteen factors hindering the EPWP. Changes and improvements are significantly required in the EPWPs to ensure that the programme meets its mandate and outlined objectives. Conclusively, the study opined that proper implementation, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms will ensure the EPWP realizes the objectives of its establishment.