LEVERAGING PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES FOR AN INCLUSIVE JUST TRANSITION
CONNECTING YOUTH TO THE GREEN ECONOMY THROUGH CITYLED PARTNERSHIPS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Keywords:
Just transition, green economy, public employment programmes, EPWP, youth unemployment, city-led partnerships.Abstract
Public employment programmes (PEPs) are increasingly recognised as tools for advancing a just transition by
addressing both unemployment and environmental sustainability. Youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge
globally, and South Africa is no exception. Youth unemployment has increased from 36.8% in 2014 to 45.5% in
2024, a dynamic that has been exacerbated by climate change and socio-economic shocks such as the COVID-19
pandemic. The green economy offers potential for inclusive growth, and programmes like the Expanded Public
Works Programme (EPWP) provide temporary jobs and training, creating opportunities to engage youth in green
projects. Drawing on key stakeholder interviews and document analysis, this paper examines how South African
cities are incorporating youth into EPWP green economy initiatives. It finds that despite policy momentum, cities face
challenges in attracting and retaining youth in EPWP initiatives due to a lack of career development pathways, limited
alignment with existing skills and unaccredited training opportunities. The paper argues that city-led partnerships with
stakeholders in the green economy can improve training quality, build professional pathways and enhance the longterm
impact of EPWP on youth employment and empowerment in a just transition context.
