![Proud EPWP participants: Dillion Petersen, Craig Willeman, Faizel Nkwali and Valentino Ehlers. Proud EPWP participants: Dillion Petersen, Craig Willeman, Faizel Nkwali and Valentino Ehlers.](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/proud_epwp_participants-_dillion_petersen_craig_willeman_faizel_nkwali_and_valentino_ehlers.jpg)
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) of the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) is making it possible for 20 young people from the Theewaterskloof and Cape Agulhas municipalities to participate in the Wolwekloof Public Safety Youth Training Programme. Those who successfully complete the course will become registered peace officers.
This Department of Community Safety course is based on a Chrysalis Youth Academy curriculum. It takes place in modules over two years at Wolwekloof Academy between Ceres and Wolseley. There is a strong emphasis on discipline, order, routine and structure. The orientation phase began in October 2015 with three intensive weeks of personal development work. Currently, trainees are participating in the public safety skills training phase which comprises five week-long accredited skills training modules. Course participants are gaining practical experience of public and community safety work through internships in municipal public safety law enforcement directorates.
Faizel Nkwali (21) of Villiersdorp is grateful for what the EPWP has done for him.
“Over the months, I have become so involved in community safety and enforcing municipal by-laws. I am using this opportunity as a stepping stone to a better future. I am no longer heavily dependent on my parents, so my life has improved.”
Valentino Ehlers (22) of Riviersonderend used to assist with flower deliveries before joining the EPWP.
“I have always been interested in law enforcement which allows me to make a direct contribution to my community. The first few months in the internship were difficult as people are hostile towards law enforcement rookies. But I am enjoying every moment and I am learning so much, both theoretically and practically.”
Dillon Petersen (23) of Caledon says this is an opportunity for ongoing learning.
“Work at the municipality includes animal impoundment, public patrolling, complaint management, and some admin. Personally, I have become a better person in and outside of the workplace. I did not expect this opportunity to fall into my lap.”
Craig Willeman (20) of Bredasdorp says through this programme he has become a public representative and young children are looking up to him.
“With the uniform comes a lot of responsibility. But I am here to serve and make a difference. I have also been exposed to police roadblocks over the months and look forward to learning many more exciting aspects of law enforcement. Words cannot describe how happy I am to be doing this.”
The EPWP is a national programme that provides employment for a limited period, supplemented by appropriate skills training. It is implemented in the Western Cape by DTPW. The on-the-job experience and training that EPWP participants get puts them in a better position to become employed after their participation in the programme ends. Since 2015, a total of 160 young people from nine rural areas of the Western Cape have participated in the Wolwekloof programme and are working in municipal law enforcement.
DTPW will continue to fund and support EPWP initiatives across Western Cape municipalities, tertiary institutions, and other potential sites for job creation. DTPW plans to nominate this programme for the upcoming national Kamoso Awards.
Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za
You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW