Empowering women in trades

18 August 2025

As part of his Women’s Month activities, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg, visited participants of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Artisan Assistant Programme this week. The project is the brainchild of women for women empowerment.

The Artisan Assistant Programme, initiated by Facilities Management, gives EPWP beneficiaries – especially women – a chance to gain experience in building maintenance, improving their employability in the job market.

This project was conceptualised and implemented by women to create new opportunities for women in trades historically dominated by men. The initiative is a collaboration between the Public Empowerment and Development Department, the Economic Growth Directorate and the Facilities Management Department. Elizabeth Walters, Head of Workforce Development in the Economic Development and Investment Department, established a partnership with the National Business Initiative(NBI). Implementation was led by Mercia Daniels, who championed the project within Facilities Management.

A total of 17 women are currently benefitting, demonstrating the City’s commitment to gender inclusivity and transformation in the technical trades.

‘This Women’s Month, we are celebrating not only the resilience of women, but also the work we are doing to give them real opportunities to develop in non-traditional roles. The programme is a shining example of how the EPWP helps women break into fields where they have been underrepresented for far too long. The programme was developed by women, for women, to create meaningful pathways in the technical trades. This is a clear example of how women’s leadership in government can translate into direct, practical opportunities for other women,’ said Alderman Twigg.

Through the Artisan Assistant Programme, participants gain vital experience and skills that can improve their employability. Their daily tasks include assisting with building maintenance work, coordinating work site requirements, helping to ensure that occupational health and safety procedures are followed, driving and performing various administrative duties.

‘These roles go far beyond job creation; they help to build confidence, independence, and long-term career prospects. It is especially important that we see women actively participating in these spaces – fixing, maintaining, managing – showing everyone that gender should never be a barrier to skill or ambition,’ added Alderman Twigg.

Alderman Theresa Uys, Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, added: ‘From our Facilities Management side, it fills me with immense pride to see this programme come to fruition. Women empowering women is a meaningful step toward inclusivity and building a better City of Hope for us all.’

Testimonies from female beneficiaries

‘My dad used to say that being an artisan assistant isn’t typically seen as a job for women, but I’ve proven that anyone can succeed with determination. The City of Cape Town has been incredibly empowering and supportive. If you’re seeking personal and professional growth, this is a great place to start,’ said Chloe Chevall Martins.

‘My advice to anyone who joins is to work hard and believe in your ability, you can achieve anything. You become more independent through this journey. In the engineering industry, it’s more important to be passionate about what you do. The nature of work means I often get dirty, but that’s part of the experience, and for me, it’s a daily motivation,’ added Wongekile Mtshikwa.

The EPWP continues to be a key driver of work opportunities for thousands of Capetonians every year, with many programmes deliberately structured to be inclusive of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Jobseekers Database

Jobseekers are reminded to ensure their contact details on the Jobseeker Database are current and accurate to be eligible for opportunities such as these. Those who receive these SMS notifications are requested to respond within 24 hours to confirm their interest.

For more information on the EPWP, visit: www.capetown.gov.za/EPWP

Registering on the Jobseekers Database, as well as receiving any related EPWP work opportunities from the City, is entirely free. No payment is required at any stage of the process.

Remember:

From 1 November 2025, jobseekers who have not updated their details within the past 12 months will be automatically deactivated. This means they will no longer be eligible for EPWP placements until their information is brought up to date.

How to register and update your details:

Visit a subcouncil office or SmartCape Centre in a library. Open on weekdays from 08:00 until 15:30, except public holidays.
Visit the EPWP Walk-In Centre at 50 Wale Street. Open weekdays from 08:00 until 15:30.
For more information, contact the EPWP HelpDesk on 021 400 9406 or email epwp.help@capetown.gov.za

Caption 1: EPWP beneficiaries with Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, at the Artisan Assistant Programme Women’s Month event.

Caption 2: Chloe Chevall Martins and Wongekile Mtshikwa

Caption 3: Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management at the Artisan Assistant Programme Women’s Month event.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office