The kind of support provided by the Support
Programme varied but generally included one of the following
approaches depending on the issue being addressed:
- Piloting an innovative approach in order to
determine if it was feasible
- Documenting best practice and supporting
mechanisms for it to be applied more widely
- Jointly developing and implementing innovation
- Directly undertaking work where the EPWP Unit
did not have the capacity or expertise.
With regard to piloting innovative approaches, the
methodology applied evolved over the first four years of
implementation. The key components of this methodology are set out
below.
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Engagement |
|
The Support Programme engages directly on
a limited and prioritized basis with implementers on the ground
(for example the Roads Department of the eThekwini
Municipality). This engagement focuses on developing effective
management information systems and processes and applying them
to EPWP projects and programmes. In addition to identifying and
understanding blockages to implementation and developing
innovative methodologies for resolving them. |
|
Documenting lessons
learnt |
|
The lessons learnt are documented and
shared with the relevant public body that provides support to
implementers in this area (for example the Department of Public
Works). |
|
Supporting wider
application |
|
If the public body sees value in the
management information systems, processes and methodologies
developed, the Support Programme then assists the public body to
apply them more widely in the Sector (for example to the Roads
Departments in all other Municipalities). This support could
comprise both capacity building within the public body, as well
as adapting the systems, processes and methodologies to public
sector systems and for wider application. |
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Support to EPWP Unit
|
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The Support Programme provides strategic,
capacity and organizational development support to the EPWP
Unit, in its role as overall coordinator of the EPWP. |
A key component of all of the activities undertaken by the Support
Programme was to allow for flexibility and an ability to respond
easily to changes and requirements in the environment. The Support
Programme aimed at undertaking activities in a way that was new or
innovative, so as to determine whether or not it could work. Then to
constantly assess whether or not it was working and if not to quickly
change what was being done to try to obtain the desired outcome.
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