On Wednesday Bitou Municipality political leadership held an engagement session for the Expanded Public Works Programme Employees (EPWP).
This engagement also included representatives from the National and Provincial Departments of Public Works at the New Horizon Community Hall.
The program was opened by Councillor Jessica Kamkam who is the newly elected Executive Mayor of Bitou.
She is the first woman to hold the mayoral position since the advent of South Africa’s democracy.
Bitou Municipality's leadership is composed entirely of women, with Councillor Nokuzola Kolwapi serving as Deputy Mayor and Councillor Mavis Busakwe as Council Speaker.
Speaking at the event Mayor Kamkam said as women in leadership, the executives sometimes face the challenge of making tough decisions that may not be popular with everyone.
“However, we are committed to our responsibilities as leaders. Councillor Kolwapi, whose strength lies in development, and Speaker Busakwe, who is passionate about local employment, both emphasize the importance of the EPWP.”
“We view the program not only as a means of creating jobs but also as a tool for imparting skills and restoring dignity to the people, particularly those from disadvantaged communities,” Mayor Kamkam added.
During the engagement, various presentations highlighted that the EPWP is designed to tackle critical issues such as high unemployment, lack of skills, service delivery backlogs, poverty alleviation, and social cohesion.
Concerns were raised from the audience about reporting deadlines, report focus and criteria, and internal administrative processes.
In her closing remarks, Deputy Executive Mayor Councillor Nokuzola Kolwapi reflected on her experience with EPWP officials, noting their strict standards.
Drawing on her past roles in Edu Plett and Simunye, where she served as treasurer, she observed that the EPWP has been evolving and improving over the years.
“Although the opportunities provided by the EPWP are temporary, one must start viewing the program as a valuable means of accessing opportunities,” said Councillor Kolwapi.
