The EPWP is one of the government's array of programmes aimed at ensuring the creation of work opportunities and the provision of training for the unskilled, marginalised and unemployed people of South Africa. Its key focus is to provide poverty and income relief through short-term and full- time equivalent jobs for the unemployed. Government launched the EPWP in May 2004 to promote economic growth and create sustainable development. At the official launch of the EPWP on 18 May 2004, President Thabo Mbeki said: