From EPWP to Employment: Gauteng’s Health Department Upskills Youth

Gauteng’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) continues to play a pivotal role in the empowerment of young people. It addresses youth unemployment and creates a sustainable workforce for the province. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has introduced several initiatives. These initiatives focus on providing young people with vital skills and job opportunities. They foster self-sufficiency and improve the province’s healthcare system.

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Tackling Youth Unemployment through Skills Development

In a province with an alarming youth unemployment rate of 63.9% for individuals aged 15 to 24, the need for targeted employment and skills training initiatives has never been more critical. The GDoH’s focus on skilling the youth is not only addressing unemployment but is also contributing to the delivery of quality healthcare services across the region. Through a range of training and development programs, young South Africans are gaining essential skills. These skills will benefit them long-term and improve the efficiency of healthcare service delivery.

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The Role of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)

The EPWP has long been a central component of South Africa’s efforts to combat poverty and unemployment. By offering young people the opportunity to gain skills, EPWP initiatives help build a sustainable and capable workforce. Young people contribute to public service through these initiatives.

Within the GDoH, the EPWP has provided 789 youth graduates with training in various sectors including administration, project management, personal hygiene, and business analysis. These graduates are not only better equipped for the job market but have directly contributed to the improvement of services in Gauteng’s healthcare sector.

The department’s commitment to youth development aligns with the provincial government’s broader mission. This mission focuses on equipping young people with job-ready skills to bridge the skills gap, create lasting employment opportunities, and foster economic growth. The skills learned by these young graduates not only make them competitive in the job market but also help address critical gaps in health service delivery across Gauteng.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko’s Vision for Youth Empowerment

Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, has long been an advocate for the empowerment of youth in the province. Speaking at the graduation ceremony held on 23 July 2025 at the Brixton Multi-purpose Centre, she emphasized the importance of these skills programs. These programs are transforming the futures of young people.

The MEC acknowledged that youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges in Gauteng. Young people make up a significant portion of the jobless population. However, through partnerships with accredited training institutions like TVET Colleges, the Department of Cooperative Governance, and the City of Johannesburg, these skilling initiatives are helping young people create a pathway to a brighter future.

“By taking career education directly to learners, especially within health campuses and hospitals, we are helping young people see themselves in these critical roles,” said Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.

By offering accredited training courses in areas such as project management, end-user computing, and business analysis, the GDoH is providing young people with the technical skills they need to succeed. These skills are essential in a competitive job market.

Graduates Share Their Journey

Zibuyisile Made, one of the recent graduates from the Stretford Community Health Centre, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to gain skills that will enhance her career. Like many of her peers, she hopes the skills gained will not only contribute to her personal growth but also positively impact the community around her.

Similarly, Simon Moloantoa, an administration clerk at Kromdraai Clinic, shared that his newly acquired skills will help improve his work. These skills may even lead to career advancement within the healthcare sector. His story is an example of how the GDoH’s initiatives empower young people to pursue career growth and contribute to the sector’s improvement.

The Importance of Skills Development in Addressing Unemployment

South Africa’s national youth unemployment rate of 44.6% has made it evident that initiatives like the EPWP, are essential for both youth empowerment and national development. According to recent statistics, Gauteng’s youth unemployment remains concerning, with an unemployment rate of 63.9% for individuals aged 15 to 24.

The skills programs offered by the GDoH serve as an important tool in addressing this issue. These programs upskill young people and prepare them for the workforce. Furthermore, the department’s focus on healthcare positions youth to play an active role in one of the most vital sectors of society. They contribute to better healthcare outcomes for all.

Other Government Initiatives Supporting Youth Employment

The Gauteng government’s ongoing investment in youth development extends beyond the health sector. Programs such as Nasi Ispani, the Massive Re-skilling Programme, and iCrush ne Lova are all critical in tackling youth unemployment in the province. These programs complement the skilling initiatives led by the Department of Health by focusing on job creation and training in various industries across Gauteng.

Additionally, the province has fostered collaborations with other sectors, including the private sector, to create more job opportunities for youth. These partnerships ensure that the youth are not only trained but also given the platform to gain work experience. This increases their employability.

The Future of Youth Employment in Gauteng

With over 800,000 youth graduates from various sectors already benefiting from these government-led initiatives, the future looks promising. However, much more needs to be done to close the gap. It is essential to ensure that the youth in Gauteng have access to sustainable employment opportunities.

The Gauteng Department of Health has set its sights on creating a more inclusive and skilled workforce. One that is equipped to meet the province’s healthcare challenges. By continuing to expand these training programs and forming key partnerships… The Department hopes to provide even more opportunities for young people to thrive in the healthcare sector and beyond.

CHECK OUT: Deputy Manager Medical Physicist Vacancy at Chris Hani Hospital (Grade 1)

Practical Tips for Youth Interested in Health Careers

• Attend career expos and engage with professionals for informed career decisions.
• Explore bursary and internship opportunities early through official Gauteng Health websites.
• Prepare necessary documentation, such as IDs and academic records, for bursary applications.
• Consider long-term career paths in public health areas experiencing workforce shortages.

Discover how patients are rebuilding dignity and health post-surgery amid public healthcare realities. Reclaiming Life After Stoma Surgery in Gauteng’s Public Hospitals. Click to explore stories of resilience, care improvements, and what’s changing in support across Gauteng’s hospitals.

A Long-Term Impact: Empowerment for Generations

The impact of the GDoH’s skilling programs is expected to be far-reaching, benefiting not just individual graduates but entire communities. By training young people who can then contribute to the province’s healthcare system. The programs create a ripple effect that improves both public health outcomes and the socioeconomic well-being of Gauteng’s residents.

Ultimately, the efforts of the GDoH are not only about equipping young people with practical skills. It is also about offering them the tools to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.