The author reflects on the findings of a study commissioned by the Human
Science Research Council (HSRC). A qualitative research methodology was
used to explore the perceptions of service providers in the early childhood
development (ECD) sector on job creation through government’s Expanded
Public Works Programme (EPWP). The EPWP is aimed at drawing
significant numbers of unemployed people into productive work by
increasing their capacity to earn a sustainable income through training. In
response, the national departments of Social Development, Health, and
Education developed a Social Sector Plan (SSP) for EPWP in which the ECD
sector was identified as one of the key areas for expansion. From a
developmental social work perspective, both Early Childhood Development
and productive employment are important strategies to alleviate persistent
poverty. This article is intended to create dialogue, further research and
action towards realizing the potential of the ECD sector to create more
sustainable jobs in order to improve the quality of people’s lives.