Pretoria: The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has announced the extension of Community Work Programme (CWP) contracts for participants aged 55 and older. This decision was made following a crucial meeting with the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, to discuss the future of the CWP contracts.
According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting was deemed essential in tackling the significant budget cuts that have affected the CWP. These budget reductions have negatively impacted participant payments and posed a risk of unauthorized expenditure by the Department of Cooperative Governance. Minister Hlabisa emphasized the importance of taking decisive action to maintain the programme’s integrity and continue supporting the participants.
In August of the previous year, the department announced its decision to cease the participation of CWP workers who also receive old age grants. This move aimed to allocate resources more effectively to those who depend solely on the programme for their livelihood. The decision followed a comprehensive verification process conducted in collaboration with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
SAnews had reported last year that the final stipend was scheduled to be disbursed on 25 September 2024. However, the government has since revised this decision, extending the contracts of CWP participants aged 55 and older until the end of March 2025. This extension allows the government to explore viable and sustainable solutions for the programme’s future.
Minister Hlabisa reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the achievements of the programme. The CWP is recognized as a transformative public employment initiative that directly addresses social security by providing temporary employment safety nets. The programme is grounded in the principle of transitioning participants from poverty to self-sustenance through skills development and community advancement.
The department is actively engaged in constructive consultations and is committed to providing regular updates. It is working closely with all relevant stakeholders to thoughtfully address the issue, ensuring a careful balance between financial responsibility and social accountability.