Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has called for urgent and bold digital action to tackle South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis.
Speaking at the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Social Sector Conference in Durban, the Minister urged stakeholders to take decisive steps to accelerate youth employment.
Addressing more than 300 delegates, Tolashe emphasised that job creation remains a key priority of the 7th Administration under the Government of National Unity. She said the EPWP must play a stronger role in creating meaningful work opportunities, particularly for young people.
“We must be able to respond directly to the challenge of creating over one million job opportunities by 2030,” the Minister said.
She explained that the conference offers a strategic opportunity to harness the talent, creativity and energy of youth, while repositioning the social sector to become digitally skilled, inclusive and future-ready.
EPWP Conference Focuses on Digital Skills and Inclusive Development
The three-day EPWP Social Sector Conference brings together representatives from government, the private sector and civil society organisations. The aim is to map out a new strategy for inclusive development and sustainable livelihoods.
Delivering the welcome address, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga described the gathering as a defining moment for the sector, centred on the call to move communities “from vulnerability to resilience.”
“The conference is about migrating from vulnerability to resilience,” she said.
Shinga highlighted the importance of innovation, digital skills development and sustainable employment opportunities in strengthening communities. She stressed that the conference goes beyond policy discussions and represents an opportunity to rethink how the EPWP social sector responds to the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The MEC added that the programme remains a critical pathway for unlocking employment opportunities, especially for unemployed youth. She noted that stronger partnerships with the private sector and civil society are essential to creating innovative work opportunities and building community resilience.
She further stated that the EPWP social sector must continuously adapt and “do things differently” to remain relevant and impactful.
EPWP Linked to Government’s Development Plan
Director-General of the Department of Social Development, Peter Netshipale, outlined the purpose of the conference during his opening remarks. He described the EPWP Social Sector Conference as part of the democratic government’s enduring legacy.
“The EPWP Social Sector Conference is a legacy of a democratic government as it is linked to the current five-year Medium Term Development Plan 2024–2029 strategic framework,” he said.
Netshipale explained that the conference aligns with government’s broader priorities, including job creation, poverty reduction and strengthening social protection systems.
The conference is being held under the theme: “Revolutionising access to social services through digital skills in the EPWP social sector.” Discussions are expected to focus on leveraging technology to improve service delivery, expand access to social services and equip beneficiaries with future-ready digital skills.
As deliberations continue, delegates are expected to develop practical resolutions aimed at accelerating youth employment and ensuring that the EPWP social sector remains a dynamic tool for inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods.
Additional reporting by SANews.gov.za
