EPWP benefits 3.5m people

The Expanded Public Works Programme has bought some benefits to previously unemployed people says President Jacob Zuma. Image: GCIS

During a debate on President Zuma's sixth State of the Nation Address in Parliament, some members of the opposition criticised the EPWP saying it was not a solution to unemployment in South Africa.

But in his reply to the debate, Zuma said the formal economy could not absorb all work seekers.

"The fact is this innovation has made a massive impact in the lives of the poor," he said, adding that programmes such as working on waste, wetlands, water, fire and the Environmental Youth Services Programme had created about 750,000 work opportunities and more than 200,000 full time equivalent jobs since 2009.

More than half of these beneficiaries were youth.

In another development, President Zuma said a Presidential Youth Indaba, aimed at dealing with youth development matters, would be launched soon. The event would bring together young people discuss and assess where SA is now and what steps need to be taken to advance youth development.

Widespread unemployment

Statistics show the majority of South Africa's unemployed are be between the ages of and 24 and 30.

Meanwhile, Zuma said social grants remained the most effective poverty alleviation tool in addressing the legacy of apartheid.

"More than 16m people in South Africa are beneficiaries of social grants. For more than 22% of households in the country, social grants are the main source of income," he said.

Zuma went on to say that it must also be noted that the majority of beneficiaries of social grants, 11m people specifically, are vulnerable children. The rest of the beneficiaries are: older persons receiving an old age pension; persons with a disability; military veterans and other vulnerable persons.

"Social grants assist the vulnerable members of society," he added.