The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal will table a series of Parliamentary Questions to the Ministers of Public Works and Infrastructure, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Presidency. We demand full disclosure of all payments made under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) to municipalities and beneficiaries in the province, as well as any other parallel EPWP structures created by municipalities.
This action follows the announcement by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure that the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State had created an EPWP “unit” in the mayor’s office to pay unsuccessful former Councillors and ANC officials to administer the EPWP programme. The DA has received credible reports suggesting that similar abuse is occurring in KZN, and that it may also extend to the PESP.
In some cases, it is alleged that politically connected individuals – including current councillors – are running an extortion scheme in which legitimate beneficiaries, who have done the work and received their full stipends, are then coerced into paying a large portion of their earnings back to the councillor. This is often done under the pretext of “gratitude” for having secured them the job, or through outright intimidation.
This is theft from the unemployed. These programmes are intended to provide temporary income to job-seekers and to help them support their families. Extorting and stealing from workers in this way turns a lifeline into a tool of exploitation and political patronage.
The DA in KZN will not allow funds meant for honest work to be hijacked for the enrichment of politicians and their allies.
Through our Parliamentary Questions, we will demand:
1. Detailed breakdowns of EPWP and PESP disbursements to all KZN municipalities over the past two years.
2. The number of beneficiaries per municipality and the amounts paid out.
3. Measures taken to monitor, audit and prevent such theft and extortion schemes.
We will also push for law enforcement agencies to investigate these allegations and prosecute any implicated individuals, no matter their political affiliation.
The people of KZN deserve transparency, fairness and protection from corrupt networks. The DA will continue to fight for accountability and the proper use of public funds.