A total of 420 beneficiaries from the Public Employment Programme (PEP) and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) have completed a financial education training programme, facilitated by Absa in collaboration with the City of Tshwane. 

The programme aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to manage and protect their finances effectively, according to Absa’s team leader of external sales, Khudisi Makhaga.

He said the training empowered participants to educate and protect themselves financially, maximising and securing their financial futures. 

“Absa is proud to be able to empower residents with financial skills through this programme,” he said.

The comprehensive training covered key aspects of financial management, including budgeting, wealth creation and growth, credit management, and risk and debt management. 

Region 3 participants who successfully completed the programme were awarded certificates.

Member of Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, congratulated the participants on completing the programme and expressed gratitude for their contributions to improving and maintaining the city. 

“The City of Tshwane’s multiparty coalition government is committed to enhancing and further advancing the involvement, skills development, and employment opportunities for our residents and especially our youth, women, and persons living with disabilities,” she said.

She highlighted the significant impact of the PEP and EPWP programmes on the city’s functionality, cleanliness, and safety. 

She said initiatives such as pothole repairs, informal settlement management, cleaning and greening, waste management, and artisan training have made a tangible difference.

“The work that our PEP and EPWP participants do is very important for all residents,” she said.

Tshwane, already recognised as South Africa’s safest city, has seen a decline in nearly all crime categories in 2025, according to the SAPS quarterly crime statistics report.

Mabotsa attributed this to the city’s focus on cleaning public spaces, repairing streetlights and potholes, and other initiatives.

“Cleaner, safer neighbourhoods and cities also help to attract more investment, attract more businesses, and this enables the creation of more jobs,” she said.

She noted that the city’s coalition government has prioritised these efforts since taking office in October last year and has allocated budgets accordingly. 

Mabotsa urged eligible job seekers in Tshwane to register on the city’s EPWP database at their nearest regional office or designated application points to ensure a fair and transparent process for allocating PEP and EPWP opportunities.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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