The Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has asked his department to immediately halt all Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) transfers for the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State following allegations of the abuse of payroll by politically connected individuals.
This follows disturbing reports that some politically connected individuals have been receiving grossly inflated payments through the programme with some earning more than R31,000 a month, far exceeding the usual EPWP stipend.
Macpherson expressed deep concern over the allegations published in a City Press investigation that reported that the Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s EPWP payroll continues to fund inflated salaries for former councillors and sitting political office bearers.
“These individuals reportedly earn over R31 000 per month – more than ten times the average EPWP stipend – thereby undermining the very principles of the programme.”
He has since instructed the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to suspend any EPWP transfers to the municipality, pending a full investigation.
“The EPWP is an essential lifeline for many in communities across the country, including in Matjhabeng, and it would therefore be wholly unacceptable if any politician or official is found to have used the programme for personal benefit,” Macpherson said.
“We simply cannot turn a blind eye when serious allegations of abuse are raised, which is why I have instructed the department to suspend EPWP fund transfers until a formal investigation can be completed.”
Macpherson added that the allegations further reinforce his view that the EPWP must be reformed to eliminate any possibility of abuse and ensure that intended beneficiaries fully benefit from the programme, free from political interference.
“Through the EPWP Listening Tour conducted nationwide, we have heard several serious allegations of abuse — such as those in Matjhabeng — and it is therefore critical that the programme be strengthened to eliminate any possibility of corruption and political patronage.
“After 20 years, we are committed to reforming the EPWP to ensure it remains a viable platform for empowerment well into the future, as we work to build a better South Africa,” the Minister said.
Dr Zweli Mkhize, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has welcomed an investigation into claims that councillors and politically connected people were paid inflated salaries through the EPWP in Matjhabeng.
Mkhize said that the probe was necessary to expose wrongdoing, and warned that innocent workers should not be punished in the process but instead the suspension of funds should only affect individuals implicated in the alleged abuse of funds.
“While any abuse of public funds must be met with swift and decisive action, it is critical that investigations are targeted and that innocent beneficiaries are not penalised. We cannot allow the poor to suffer for the misdeeds of a few,” said Mkhize.
“Those found guilty must face disciplinary and criminal consequences, but the programme itself must continue to serve its intended purpose – to provide short-term work opportunities to the unemployed.”
Mkhize advocated for public participation on municipality oversight, asserting that community involvement in these processes may reduce officials’ proneness to abuse funds and that all levels of government should deploy collaborated efforts enshrined on the constitution to instil adherence legal framework on oversight.
“Mayors and municipal managers must regularly consult communities and account for their spending. Citizens must be given avenues to report concerns and submit evidence. If municipalities fail to perform, provinces must intervene. If provinces neglect their oversight duty, national government must act. That is how the Constitution envisages cooperative governance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Matjhabeng Executive Mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha underscored the importance of investigation spanning over 14 days, and confirmed the EPWP works will be paid their July stipend after which it will be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation and has expressed discontent at the suspension of the programme.
“We commit ourselves and we are happy that the minister has taken a decision that there must be an investigation and we welcome that. However, where we are not quite happy, if for the minister just to make that decision to suspend the programme,” Khalipha told SABC News.
“As the process of workers receiving their income has begun, we can commit to our people that they will receive their salaries for July and that they do not need to panic.”
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