EPWP Contracts & Learnership Allowances: Implications Of The National Minimum Wage Act

The National Minimum Wage Act No 9 of 2018 (NMWA) has introduced significant changes to labour remuneration in South Africa. While its primary goal is to ensure a basic standard of living for all workers, certain categories, such as those under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Learnership agreements, require special consideration.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is a government initiative aimed at providing poverty and income relief through temporary work for the unemployed. EPWP projects typically include work in infrastructure, environment, culture, and social sectors, offering participants the opportunity to gain skills and increase their employability. Examples include the building of a road or houses.