MEC Siphokazi Lusithi delivering her remarks.

The Executive members of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) steered an induction session for the Honorable MEC Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi during a two-day program held at the East London ICC. This session was crucial in updating the MEC on the department’s status and its mandate to provide infrastructure and service delivery to the public.

The department aims to be the nerve center of service delivery by expanding its DPWI Cluster office footprint across all districts in the province. This initiative seeks to create sustainable accommodation for all state departments and provide social infrastructure to client departments such as the Department of Education and the Department of Health.

As the custodian of immovable asset infrastructure, the department has embarked on transforming the property sector. To date, 65% of its leases have been concluded with Black landlords. The department is now extending its focus to Black developers, ensuring their participation in the economy through direct ownership of property assets. The implementation of an effective Revenue Enhancement Strategy contributes to provincial economic growth by utilizing government land and buildings as catalysts for spatial transformation and social justice.

“We ought to support Black developers and engage in dedicated conversations with financial and funding institutions to develop financing models and facilitate investment through public-private partnerships. Our initiative for development through built environment-related skills, particularly artisan development, has produced artisans in various trades. This initiative has enhanced sustainable infrastructure development, contributing to socio-economic growth and community empowerment,” said HOD Manda.

The HOD continued to shared progress made thus far on investments in Artisan Training Centres in Joe Gqabi, Alfred Nzo, and the upcoming center in Sarah Baartman have supported the implementation of a contractor development program. This program aims to enhance the skills and capabilities of construction SMMEs through training and support, improving project quality and efficiency while fostering economic growth.

Over the past five years, the department’s performance has demonstrated its commitment to optimizing job opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). EPWP Phase 5, launched in April 2024, rebrands the EPWP to focus on creating quality and sustainable jobs and improving service delivery.

The implementation of the EC Provincial Construction SMME Development Strategy guides stakeholders in participating meaningfully in delivering infrastructure projects and services. Innovation through research and development enhances efficiency, sustainability, and socio-economic impact, with a focus on sustainable jobs, SMME development, and entrepreneurship to alleviate poverty.

“As a capable institution, we need to distinguish between quality and quantity. We must find innovative ways for social transformation and job creation through infrastructure development and the implementation of EPWP,” said MEC Mani-Lusithi.

Mr Q. Mageza, Chief Director: Strategy and Systems, delivering a presentation.

DPWI management listening attentively to the presentations.

MEC S. Lusithi and Head of Department, Thandolwethu Manda paying close attention to the speakers’ presentations.