Minister Dean Macpherson addresses the community of Upington, pledging reforms to the EPWP to eliminate abuse and corruption.
Image: Supplied/DPWI
“Those days are over,” says Minster of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, who has vowed to address allegations of political patronage, ”jobs for pals” or even jobs in exchange for sexual favours.
Macpherson made the remarks on Thursday, during the launch of the next leg of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) listening tour in Upington in the Northern Cape, where community members raised concerns about the EPWP.
“Let me be clear - based on what I’ve heard today from members of this community, it is clear that EPWP has been vulnerable to abuse for, among others, jobs for pals, corruption, and political patronage,” Macpherson said.
He said the locals shared numerous allegations and the status quo could not continue.
“It is simply unjust to expect recipients to clean streets, repair roads, or maintain parks while receiving a few benefits at their expense,” he said.
Macpherson questioned how people could trust the programme meant to empower them when the abuse and corruption were widely known.
“How will people ever want to participate in a programme where their personal dignity has been compromised?” he asked.
He called the allegations of jobs-for-pals, intimidation - or even worse - sexual exploitation unacceptable.
“I will not stand by and allow this conduct to happen, and where any official is found guilty, I will take the strongest action possible,” Macpherson said.
“This is why it is imperative that we build a better EPWP programme where these abuses are eliminated.”
He emphasised that no one should be denied a job based on political affiliation.
“The EPWP should benefit everyone, irrespective of their language or background. One of the best ways I believe we can achieve that goal is through improving the transparency of how people are appointed and given an opportunity in this programme,” Macpherson said.
He declared that the days when people who are friends of councillors, or who hold political party cards are given preference are over.
“There are so many people who work tirelessly in the EPWP programme for minimal compensation, and it’s therefore unacceptable for some to exploit this system,” Macpherson added.
Dean Macpherson speaking to community members in Upington, emphasising the need for equality in the EPWP's job allocation process.
Image: Supplied/DPWI
The minister highlighted how the EPWP, which was initially intended as a temporary steppingstone, has become a lifeline of survival for many South Africans due high unemployment rates.
“It was always intended to be a short-term mechanism which was able to provide recipients with the skills and experience to find employment elsewhere.”
”But today thousands of people rely on the programme as their only source of income.”
Macpherson outlined his vision for the EPWP as one where recipients gain meaningful skills which would help them build a long-term future.
”Training and economic advancement must be a key outcome for each recipient of the EPWP,” he said.
“It must be the steppingstone towards a life of dignity, not a burden that keeps one trapped in poverty for life.”
He acknowledged that wages from the EPWP are insufficient for long-term survival.
“This is why we need to reform the programme to ensure that recipients are either able to find better-paid permanent employment or have the skills to start businesses in their communities,” he said.
Macpherson also expressed his desire for employers to recognise that EPWP participants were equipped with skills and experience for permanent jobs.
“In this regard, I believe we can partner with the private sector to help train recipients on construction sites across the country, and thereby provide them with opportunities for permanent employment,” he added.
IOL Politics
