KZN COGTA to Create 300 Jobs Backed by R10M Investment

(The Post News)- KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, launched the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) on Thursday 19 June, in Nongoma and KwaHlabisa. COGTA is positive that the EPWP being launched in KwaNongoma will focus on waste management and environmental affairs, which would be addressing two key challenges of unemployment and service delivery.

A group of 100 young people have already officially signed 24-month contracts and received tools of trade and PPE to tackle waste management and environmental preservation in their communities.

COGTA stated that the programme is Backed by a R10 million investment, and is expected to create 300 jobs across KZN’s rural municipalities, citing that it will restore dignity, protect the environment, and strengthening local government support.
“This initiative brings real change where it’s needed most creating jobs, preserving our environment, and uplifting rural youth,” said MEC Buthelezi.

Buthelezi added that communities will benefit from cleaner environments and new job opportunities, especially for the youth.
Over the past years youth unemployment rate in South Africa has dramatically increased and according to Statistics SA it has increased from 44,6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46,1% in the first quarter of 2025.13 May 2025.

Responding to the stats, President Cyril Ramaphosa defended his administration stating that the country is grappling with high youth unemployment, like many parts of the world, and said that this can be addressed through an approach that includes investing in education and skills development, fostering youth entrepreneurship and implementing targeted employment programmes focusing on young people.

Furthermore, earlier this month, the MEC met with Vodacom officials and mayors to address persistant network issues in rural areas, where the company committed to installing 108 network towers by the end of 2025, with an additional 100 towers to follow in 2026.

The partnership marked a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, while creating job opportunities in rural communities.