The Expanded Public Works Programme: Assessing its effectiveness in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, South Africa

ABSTRACT The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has been adopted within the South African economy as a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the standard of living for historically marginalised groups and mitigating poverty through skills development and job creation. This study is grounded in the Theory of Change and pertinent legislative frameworks that underpin the EPWP. Employing a qualitative research methodology and an interpretive paradigm, this research sought to provide an in-depth understanding of the experiences of individuals within the public sector. A purposive sampling strategy was utilised, encompassing 8 participants from the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality (KSDLM) region. Data were collected through Interviews and subsequently analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The findings indicate that, while the EPWP holds substantial potential for poverty alleviation in KSDLM, various challenges must be addressed to enhance the program's overall efficacy in the region. Keywords: EPWP, EFFECTIVENESS, KSDLM.