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Programmes in Gauteng

• The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
• The Gauteng Enterprise Propellor (GEP)
• Arts and Culture
• Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA)
• Community Development Centres
• Community Food Gardens Programme
• Local Economic Development (LED)
• Thusong Service Centres

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)

The Gauteng EPWP brings infrastructure to previously disadvantaged areas. Infrastructure includes schools, community centres, local access roads, community markets, and sports facilities. At the same time, the programme provides employment for members of the community in which the facilities are being built, through the use of local labour. There are also opportunities for emerging contractors.

Contact the EPWP: 011 355 9550/355 9559
Contact the Department of Public Works: 011 355 7505/7301

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The Gauteng Enterprise Propellor (GEP)

The GEP provides training and loans for small, medium and micro-enterprises. GEP currently has five branches across the province. Trainees attend the GEP offices for the two- to three-day training course, for which a very small fee is charged. After the
course, they are helped to write a business plan and apply for a loan. Applicants whose businesses seem viable are granted loans. Ongoing support, such as help with marketing and tenders, is also given. Those who stand to benefit most are businesses that are already up and running. Businesses must have a bank account, as well as a tax clearance certificate from SARS if they wish to tender for government contracts.

Contact GEP: 011 833 2542
Contact the Department of Trade and Industry: 0861 843 384

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Arts and Culture

This programme offers financial support to groups and individuals. Each year, forms are made available in December, and applications must be submitted by the end of January. Groups must be registered as a CC with SARS or as a nonprofit organisation with the Department of Social Development. They must submit a detailed profile of the project, the previous year’s financial statements, a policy document explaining their financial management system, and copies of ID documents of the principal members. Students applying for sponsorship must provide proof of registration at an institution.

Contact the Department of Arts and Culture: 011 355 2591/2504
Contact the Department of Social Development: 011 355 7878

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Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA)

• A Tourism Infrastructure and Investment Fund, for the development of previously disadvantaged individuals in the tourism industry
• A tourist-guide training programme
• Registration of all tourist guides operating in the province
• Support for entrepreneurs.

Contact GTA: 011 832 2780/639 1600

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Community Development Centres

There are Community Development Centres in most rural communities throughout Gauteng. At these centres, you can get help in setting up and running small income-generating projects. Clients include youth, women, the disabled and the aged. To benefit from the help given at a Community Development Centre, you should approach them as an already established group. You should already be registered as a non-profit organisation with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and, preferably, have a constitution and business plan.

For more information, or to find the Community Centre nearest you, cContact the Department of Social Development: 011 355 7878

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Community Food Gardens Programme

Community groups can get agricultural training and tools through the Community Food Gardens Programme. All that is required is that members of the community organise themselves into a group of at least twenty members, and have permission to use a piece of land for at least five years. The endorsement of their local municipality and/or local chief will be an advantage.

Contact the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and the Environment (DACE): 011 355 1920
Contact the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry: 012 392 1300

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Local Economic Development (LED)

Every municipality has a Local Economic Development programme. Activities of these programmes vary from province to province but, in general, their purpose is to promote economic development in their areas.

Phone your district municipality for more information on their LED programme.

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Thusong Service Centres

Website: www.thusong.gov.za

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Last modified: 19 September 2008 13:03:51.