Lerato Mailoane
Moipato Madlala (54) from Tladi, Soweto, has hailed the Gauteng Provincial Government Greening Army Programme as a lifesaver enabling her to put food on the table.
“I was so happy to be chosen to participate in this programme because I have spent many years looking for employment without much success. When I found out about this initiative, I applied, but I was sceptical because of my age, as many government programmes primarily target the youth.
“I was excited when I received an SMS that my application was accepted into the programme, which is a true testimony to never give up on your dreams,” she added.
On Sunday, through the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the Gauteng Provincial Government released the 6000 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) candidates, known as the Greening Army.
The Green Army will focus on waste management and greening through clean-ups of illegal dumping and litter-picking in communities, main roads, and open spaces.
The programme will include the participation of the waste pickers already operational in the communities.
The intervention by the provincial government is in response to littering and illegal dumping across Gauteng, particularly in Townships, Informal settlements, and Hostels (TISH), which is harmful to the environment. The programme also addresses food insecurity challenges at the household level and rising unemployment in the province.
The provincial government will continue to provide environmental management support to TISH communities through the Bontle ke Botho (BKB) sustainable clean-ups and greening initiatives to enhance human dignity and instil pride in communities.
The 6000 posts were advertised in February 2023 and were open to unemployed South Africans, particularly those that reside in the townships, informal settlements, and hostels across Gauteng.
Addressing the launch at Dobsonville Stadium, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said residents cannot live in dirty areas when we have so many people who are unemployed and are ready to clean our neighbourhoods.
He called on all those ready to serve our country” to join forces with him and, in doing so – empower themselves to care for their families.
“If we fail to provide jobs for our people, then the future of this country is bleak,” added Lesufi.
SOURCED FROM THE GAUTENG GOVERNMENT WEBSITE.
