The Workplace Challenge Programme by the DTI ·

Workplace Challenge Programme (WPC) – Boost Productivity and Competitiveness

The Workplace Challenge Programme (WPC) is a targeted supply-side initiative by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), managed by Productivity South Africa. It actively encourages and supports negotiated workplace change to enhance productivity, implement world-class practices, foster continuous improvement, and promote lean manufacturing, while also creating jobs.

The WPC serves businesses in manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, mining, and beneficiation. It operates through regional clusters, each made up of five to seven companies across all provinces. Productivity SA coaches, called Change Facilitators, guide these clusters over a 24-month period. The programme is a joint initiative between the DTI and the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC).

Key Objectives of the Workplace Challenge Programme

The WPC focuses on improving enterprise performance and competitiveness. Its key objectives include:

Implementing leadership practices that promote teamwork, participation, continuous learning, and flexibility.
Simultaneously improving quality, speed/delivery, cost efficiency, and employee morale.
Establishing strong connections with customers and suppliers.
Driving both linear (Kaizen) and non-linear (Kaikaku) improvement initiatives.
Eliminating waste and ensuring value flows efficiently throughout operations.

Workplace Transformation Toolkits

The WPC uses five Workplace Transformation Toolkits to guide development within participating companies.

Management System Toolkit

This toolkit helps organisations adopt a culture of continuous improvement. Participants learn to apply the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to plan, execute, review, adjust, and celebrate achievements. The toolkit emphasises consistent communication and setting a clear purpose and vision for workplace transformation.

Goal Alignment Toolkit

Goal alignment ensures that all teams pursue shared objectives. WPC coaches often implement this toolkit first. It promotes communication, aligns top-down and bottom-up management, and clarifies roles and responsibilities throughout the organisation.

Cleaning and Organising Toolkit

Also known as 5S, this toolkit builds a clean, organised, and functional workplace. Participants learn to:

Sort and discard unnecessary items
Set items in order
Shine (clean and maintain)
Standardise processes
Practice self-discipline

Implementing 5S improves safety, quality, productivity, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.

Teamwork Toolkit

Teamwork is a foundation of the WPC. This toolkit helps teams understand their role in business improvement. Participants learn to conduct small group activities, run Kaizen projects, and apply basic problem-solving techniques. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement across all levels.

Leadership Toolkit

Leadership is critical for sustaining improvements. This toolkit strengthens first-line managers’ skills to lead productive teams. Managers learn to coach team leaders, support toolkit implementation, and inspire employees to reach their full potential.

Green Productivity Toolkit

The Green Productivity Toolkit helps enterprises reduce environmental and operational footprints. Participants implement Kaizen projects to improve carbon, water, chemical, paper, and human energy efficiency.

Continuous Improvement and Coaching

Productivity SA coaches use Continuous Improvement/Best Practice Coaching and regular audits to support cluster members. The goal is to build capacity so companies can identify operational problems and implement solutions independently.

Benefits of Participating in the Workplace Challenge Programme

Participating enterprises experience multiple benefits, including:

Clear alignment with business objectives across all teams.
Improved competitiveness and service delivery through enhanced quality, speed, cost efficiency, and employee morale.
Immediate visual improvements in the workplace through organisation and cleanliness.
Leaders and teams gain tools and skills to implement world-class manufacturing principles.
Enhanced teamwork, participation, continuous learning, and innovation from the shop floor.
Access to Milestone Workshops for shared learning and best practice exchange.

Eligibility and Participation

Any stable enterprise—micro, small, medium, large, or corporate—in manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, mining, or beneficiation may apply. Companies must contact regional WPC offices to discuss participation and contract arrangements with Productivity SA.

Participation is subsidised by the DTI on a sliding scale:

Black-owned SMEs (<50 employees): 90% subsidy; enterprise pays 10%.
Small enterprises (15–100 employees): 76–78% subsidy; enterprise pays 22–24%.
Medium enterprises (101–400 employees): 64–67% subsidy; enterprise pays 33–36%.
Large enterprises (401–700 employees): 49–53% subsidy; enterprise pays 47–51%.
Corporate enterprises (>700 employees): less than 38% subsidy; enterprise pays more than 60% (custom quote).

How to Apply FOR THE Workplace Challenge Programme

Contact your regional WPC office to arrange an appointment. A facilitator will discuss implementation steps, support requirements, and fees before contracting. The programme lasts 24 months and provides hands-on coaching to embed sustainable productivity improvements.