The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Free State has accused the Matjhabeng Local Municipality of diverting funds from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to pay former ANC councillors, prompting Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson to suspend the programme pending an investigation.
EFF deputy chairperson Thomas Macingwane claims the municipality has been employing ex-ANC councillors as “public participation officers” under the EPWP, a scheme meant to provide temporary work and skills development for unemployed citizens. Macingwane alleges the municipality has evidence, including payslips, showing at least nine former councillors are receiving salaries from the programme.
“The EPWP was designed to alleviate poverty, not to pay municipal staff,” Macingwane said in an interview. “These individuals are not unemployed beneficiaries—they are political appointees working in the offices of the mayor and speaker.”
The Matjhabeng Municipality has denied prior knowledge of the irregularities, with the mayor stating that an investigation will be concluded within 14 days. However, Macingwane dismissed this as disingenuous, claiming the issue was raised as early as March 2024 and has been a subject of internal ANC disputes.
Minister Macpherson suspended the EPWP after reports of widespread mismanagement, stating that reforms are needed to prevent political interference and ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries. Meanwhile, legitimate EPWP participants have reportedly not received their stipends since the 25th of the month, while allegedly connected individuals have been paid.
The EFF plans to announce further action this week, demanding accountability and immediate relief for affected workers. Macingwane called for systemic reforms, including skills development and living wages for beneficiaries, rather than what he described as a “disguised jobs scheme” exploited for political patronage.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in local governance and raises questions about oversight in employment initiatives meant to combat poverty.
