Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)
By Lerato Mpembe
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has announced the extension of employment contracts for approximately 67,000 Community Work Programme (CWP) participants aged 55 and older. Initially slated for termination due to budget constraints, these contracts will now remain active until the end of March 2025.
This decision follows a crucial meeting between Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. COGTA spokesperson Pearl Maseko stated, “The bilateral meeting between Minister Hlabisa and Minister Godongwana resolved to extend the contracts of CWP participants aged 55 years and older until the end of March 2025. Ministers are currently engaged in constructive consultations and will provide regular updates as the department works closely with all stakeholders.”
Background on the Community Work Programme
Established in 2010, the CWP serves as a safety net for unemployed individuals, offering part-time work opportunities aimed at enhancing skills and contributing to community development. The programme has been instrumental in alleviating poverty and fostering economic empowerment across South Africa, employing over 255,000 participants nationwide.
Initial Termination Announcement
Earlier this month, COGTA announced plans to terminate the contracts of CWP participants aged 55 and above, citing a significant budget reduction of R400 million imposed by the National Treasury. The department emphasized that this budget cut severely impacted its ability to sustain the programme, including the payment of stipends, training, tools, materials, and personal protective clothing for participants. COGTA Director-General Mbulelo Tshangana noted, “The department is already overspending, and this threatens the payment of stipends for February and March 2025.” 
Public and Political Response
The initial decision to terminate contracts sparked widespread concern among various stakeholders. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) condemned the move, with parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks stating, “This is amoral and simply unacceptable. Nor should politicians delude themselves into thinking voters will forget such cruel actions as we head towards local government elections.” 
Similarly, the African National Congress (ANC) urged the government to find solutions that protect the livelihoods of older participants. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri emphasized the need for a solution that safeguards the livelihoods of current participants, particularly those aged 55 and older. 
Impact on Affected Participants
The reversal of the termination decision brings relief to many participants who rely on the CWP for their livelihood. For instance, Hluphekile Ngoepe, a 55-year-old participant from Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, who has been working with the CWP for 12 years, expressed her concerns prior to the extension: “I’m confused because I don’t know where I will now get money to take care of my family.” Ngoepe supports her three children with the R960 she earns monthly from the programme. 
Future Directions for the CWP
While the extension provides temporary relief, COGTA has indicated the need for restructuring the CWP to ensure its sustainability amid budget constraints. The department plans to focus on enrolling more women, young people, and persons with disabilities, thereby addressing unemployment and skills shortages among these groups. Additionally, there is an emphasis on imparting technology-based and artisanal skills to unemployed women and youth, facilitating their transition into sustainable livelihoods. 
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