Over the last four years, the Community Work Programme (CWP) has provided work opportunities in many parts of the country; and due to the limited work opportunities in Nkomazi, the community of Nkomazi and its local officials welcomed the launch of this programme in their district. The CWP will inject substantial resources into the local economy and simultaneously keep families together by providing work in their home district.

During the official opening of the CRDP programme on the 5th of May 2011, the CWP was launched in wards 16 and 17 of the Nkomazi local municipality. One of the successes of the Nkomazi CWP to date has been the close relationship with the Department of Agriculture (CRDP) and the Nkomazi Municipality.

At the CRDP launch the Premier of the Province was shown a number of development projects that are taking place in the villages that are found in these wards and was also formerly introduced to the CWP supervisors. Lima and Teba Development appointed, Mr. Vusi Ngobeni, as Project Facilitator. Vusi is well known in the community as he is has been involved in the development of this region his whole life.

Village steering committees were used to verify the most vulnerable homesteads in each village, thereafter a total of three hundred participants were selected. The new participants were eager to begin working, but were assisted with opening their bank accounts, which for most was a first time achievement. Participants were then geared up in protective clothing, handed the correct tools and were ready for a hard day’s work.

The staff members at the Sihlangu drop-in center, who provide 127 children in the area with meals, were amazed when the CWP participants undertook a painting renovation which had been placed on hold for months on end. The team continued to help the center by upgrading the infrastructure of their vegetable garden. In a short space of time, the CWP has made an impact on local community projects such as Sihlangu Center, who highly appreciate the benefits CWP as it has improved their ability to support orphans in their community. CWP supervisors who have recently completed their First Aid course in Nkomazi, are currently improving the lives of people in poor health or suffering from HIV Aids with home based care, as these people are bed-ridden and do not have the ability to visit their local clinic. Nkomazi can expect great things from the CWP, as participants plan to improve all areas of their community, whether it be renovating buildings or roads, improving agricultural methods as well as being active in the social sector.

CWP Facilitato​r for Nkomazi, Vusi Ngobeni	CWP participants at the Launch held in Nkomazi