The government has unveiled a revamped public works initiative, promising increased wages and a shift from short-term relief efforts toward long-term economic empowerment.
The newly introduced Ikageng Public Works Programme (IPWP), overseen by the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, was launched this month. It is set to begin phased payments of P2,500 to beneficiaries. Concurrently, the ministry is developing a centralized database to prevent overlap between recipients of the Ikageng programme and the recently introduced Village Development Committee (VDC) initiative.
Minister Ketlhalefile Motshegwa confirmed to WeekendPost that the IPWP essentially represents a rebranding and restructuring of the former Ipelegeng programme. “It is true that the newly introduced IPWP has been rolled out across the country. For now, beneficiaries will continue to earn their usual wages, similar to the previous Ipelegeng programme,” he said.
The minister emphasized that this transition reflects a policy shift away from welfare to a focus on skills development, training-with-production, and longer-term economic participation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to raising wages to P2,500, a promise made after the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) secured victory in the 2024 general elections, but acknowledged that financial constraints mean the implementation will be gradual.
“It is policy that IPWP beneficiaries will earn P2,500 very soon, but this will be implemented in phases due to the current financial challenges facing government,” Minister Motshegwa said. While he could not provide a definitive timeline, he indicated the rollout would begin “shortly.” “If it were not for the current fiscal situation, this would have long been implemented,” he added.
Applicants have been encouraged to submit skills certificates through VDC structures, with both IPWP and VDC participants expected to benefit from the P2,500 wage framework over time. To prevent abuse, strict measures are being introduced. Beneficiaries receiving old-age pensions will be ineligible for the programme. “That will be prohibited. Anyone found benefiting from both IPWP and the old age pension will be taken to court, as that will amount to fraud,” the minister warned.
The government says the redesigned programme aims to improve working conditions and provide more stable employment, moving away from the short-term monthly rotations that previously defined the system. Under the new “training-with-production” model, participants are expected to acquire market-relevant skills, enhancing their prospects for self-employment or entry into the formal job market.
Officials describe the reforms as a step toward creating a sustainable pathway to economic participation, signaling a broader effort to reduce dependency on welfare.