The contracting of work packages to cooperatives and other community based enterprises under the Jozi@Work programme is set to begin this month.

The programme, Jozi@Work, which has work-package contracts valued at over R1 billion, was launched last year to create an opportunity for communities to partner with the City of Johannesburg in the delivery of municipal services in their own neighbourhoods.

This will also see participating community members’ outlook transformed from that of being job seekers to job creators as they will be compensated for the work done as cooperatives or other community based companies.

Capability Support Agents

According to Mayoral Spokesperson, Phindile Chauke, The City has been finalising contracts for Capability Support Agents (CSA), who have been tasked with training and mentoring community-based entities to ensure that they become sustainable businesses.

“These agents are very important as they link the community with the City. Once a small enterprise is contracted, then the relevant CSA comes on board in the role of supervising contractor. So we had to ensure that we accredit the right CSA. By end of January, we will have finalised contracts for these CSAs and will be ready to roll-out in February,” says Chauke

As it is, Jozi@Work Regional Forums are already underway where different departments and entities of the City inform the community-based entities about work packages that can be contracted to them.

Chauke says that although the City has simplified procurement processes and lowered the red tape, standards have not been lowered and community enterprises must still register as legal entities.

“The City must still adequately account for all its expenses and procurement processes. This is why there is a network of CSAs to provide technical and development assistance.”

Some of the work to be contracted to local entrepreneurs includes packages in the energy, water and waste sectors, greening services, maintenance and agriculture as well as waste collection and recycling.

–Joburg.co.za