An Iraqi government delegation has successfully concluded a strategic study tour of South Africa’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Eastern Cape.
DPWI is the co-ordinator of all EPWP programmes, as a result DPWI EPWP Director Banele Ntamo along with national DPWI Head Mziwabantu Ntese of the National Department of Public hosted the Iraqi delegation.
The visit formed part of Iraq’s broader effort to benchmark international best practice in public job creation and community-based infrastructure delivery. This saw the team gaining first-hand insight into the infrastructure component of the initiative as Iraq prepares to launch its own Public Employment Programme.
Ntamo said the Eastern Cape was honoured to share its experience. “The Expanded Public Works Programme continues to play a transformative role in creating work opportunities for youth, women and rural communities, while delivering sustainable infrastructure that benefits society long after projects are completed,” said Ntamo.
The delegation conducted site visits to three flagship projects. These were:
- Mnyameni EPWP Forestry Project in Upper Mnyameni, in Amahlathi Local Municipality. This is where delegates observed the rehabilitation of a state-owned plantation under the Mount Coke Estate near Keiskammahoek.
Severely damaged by fire in 2007, the plantation is being restored through labour-intensive forestry activities. The project currently employs 55 EPWP participants alongside 12 permanent staff. Participants are engaged in alien vegetation clearing, pruning, planting, road maintenance and fire management, supported by structured in-house training that enhances long-term employability.
- In Dimbaza, near King William’s Town, the delegation visited a road maintenance and waste management initiative. The project employs 25 people, including 20 persons with disabilities.
As part of the Household Contractor Road Maintenance Programme, the project maintains rural road networks while improving accessibility, safety and economic inclusion.
- The delegation also toured the Siseko Artisan and Management Institute in East London, a key skills development partner providing artisan training in electrical work, welding, plumbing and bricklaying. Working closely with the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, the institute ensures that training programmes are aligned with municipal infrastructure demands.
Thango Mbombo, who is participating in the Mnyameni Project said the project has helped the community “tremendously. We are now able to support our families through the stipend we receive, and we are grateful for the valuable skills we are gaining.”
During the visits the Iraqi delegation was allowed interact directly with project managers and beneficiaries who provided valuable practical insight into how well-designed public employment programmes can stimulate local economies, build critical skills and uplift communities. These session were conducted through an interpreter.
The visit marked an important step in strengthening international cooperation and knowledge exchange as Iraq advances plans to implement a sustainable and inclusive public employment framework.
The visit concluded with a collective commitment from all role players to work together, restore public confidence and bring long-overdue relief to the Bethelsdorp school community.
