Strengthening Public Employment Programmes in South Africa’s Social Protection Framework

South Africa faces an enduring unemployment crisis compounded by structural inequalities. Public Employment Programs (PEPs) represent a critical intervention in this landscape, offering income support, fostering social inclusion,V and bridging gaps between social assistance and active labour market policies. Recent innovations, such as the SRD Grant and Presidential Employment Stimulus, present an opportunity to reimagine the role of PEPs, focusing on their developmental and transformative potential. This brief outlines strategic directions to optimize PEPs within a cohesive social protection framework.