Work programme contracts for participants over 55 extended

Community Work Programme (CWP) contracts for participants aged 55 and older, have been extended.

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has announced the extension of this decision following a bilateral meeting between him and the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, regarding the contracts for CWP participants.

According to the department, the meeting was essential in addressing the critical challenge of significant budget cuts to the CWP.

“These cuts adversely impact participant payments and risk unauthorised expenditure by the Department of Cooperative Governance. It is imperative that we take decisive action to protect the programme’s integrity and ensure that participants receive the support they deserve,” said Mr Hlabisa.

The department announced in August last year its decision to end the participation of CWP workers who also receive old age grants. Their aim was to redirect resources to those who rely solely on the programme for their livelihood. The department stated that the decision followed a thorough verification process conducted in collaboration with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The final stipend was set to be paid on September 25, 2024.

However, government has since decided to extend the contracts of CWP participants aged 55 years and older until the end of March.

Mr Hlabisa said the programme is a transformative public employment initiative that responds directly to social security by providing temporary employment safety nets.

“We are currently engaged in constructive consultations and will provide regular updates as the department works closely with all relevant stakeholders. We aim to address this issue thoughtfully, ensuring a careful balance between financial responsibility and social accountability,” Mr Hlabisa said.