The third phase of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is to be launched today in Keiskammahoek, near King Williams Town, in the Eastern Cape.

The new phase will kick start the creation of six million work opportunities.

Since 2004 the Expanded Public Works Programme has provided work opportunities and training for the unemployed. The new phase aims to provide six million work opportunities by 2019.

Ten years ago the nationwide programme covering all spheres of government and state-owned enterprises was initially launched with mixed review. Government maintains that the programme provides an important avenue for labour absorption and income transfers to poor households in the short to medium-term.

EPWP projects employ workers on a temporary or on-going basis either by government, contractors or other non-governmental organisations under the Ministerial Conditions of Employment for the EPWP or learnership employment conditions. Since its inception, the EPWP has created a total of 5.5 million employment opportunities.