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
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