uMngeni: Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has heard how the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) programme is open to abuse by politicians and officials. This as the Minister visited uMngeni in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday as part of his countrywide EPWP listening tour to improve and reform the programme.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister has consistently emphasized the importance of the EPWP as a tool to alleviate poverty by providing essential working opportunities. However, during his visit, he was informed of serious abuses occurring within the programme, notably in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Reports include individuals being excluded due to not knowing the right ward councillor or officials, and jobs allegedly being exchanged for money or loyalty. Additionally, there were claims of power dynamics being exploited to take advantage of women.

The EPWP is a government-funded initiative designed to employ labour-intensive methods to create job oppo
rtunities for poor and unemployed South Africans. Participants not only earn an income but also gain skills and work experience that enhance their employability.

Minister Macpherson stated that he will utilize the insights gained from the EPWP listening tour to reform the programme, ensuring it effectively contributes to South Africa’s development. The concerns raised in uMngeni echo those heard during the tour’s launch in the Eastern Cape, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the programme to facilitate skills transfer and transition to permanent employment.

In the coming weeks and months, the Minister plans to extend the listening tour across all nine provinces, engaging with communities to address their concerns. Macpherson stressed the importance of acknowledging and addressing these issues, emphasizing that the programme must evolve to better serve its participants and contribute to the nation’s growth.