The Expanded Public Works Programme’s Entrepreneurial Support Model in South Africa

Abstract

Across the world, small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been the driving force behind job creation and economic development. To reduce the massive rate of unemployment, poverty and inequality in the country, the Government of South Africa introduced various initiatives to stimulate and support small businesses, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one of those initiatives. The enterprise development approach, is one of the delivery mechanisms of the EPWP. This study aimed at critically assessing the impact and effectiveness of training and support interventions provided to small businesses through the EPWP. The study employed the quantitative research method and due to the size and availability of participants, the entire population supported by the EPWP was sampled and a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The study denoted that the training intervention provided through the EPWP made a positive impact and achieved its intended goals of enhancing business management skills to participants. It also revealed an interesting outcome that the majority of the participants in the programme were women. However the study also identified some weaknesses in the programme which led to the recommendation that long-term support mechanisms were essential to ensure sustainability of emerging enterprises.