Democratic Alliance declaration by Dianne Kohler-Barnard MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Public Works

Corruption-free EPWP's are critical to job creation

18 May 2016

Under the current government, and because of the current Government, we have 8.9 million people who do not have jobs, who live without dignity, without independence, and without freedom in South Africa today, and it is obvious that the ANC has no intention of implementing the structural reforms necessary to boost economic growth and create jobs.

But there are work opportunities, provided through the Expanded Public Works Programme, which can make a difference to the lives of the unemployed. In the ANC-controlled parts of the country, fighting corruption in the EPWP programme should be a priority for the Minister. I have proved to him that what was referred to as a rumour is in fact the truth: those who can’t produce an ANC membership card are turned away, and this happens nationwide.

Is the purpose of the EPWP to provide job opportunities to those in need, or is it to allow ANC councillors to offer unfettered and unmonitored largess to unknown thousands?

These job opportunities should be available for all, not just ANC cadres.

The DA Government in Cape Town has created tens of thousands of work opportunities, winning praise and acclaim – even from the current national government. We have made great progress in rooting out corruption and nepotism in the allocation of EPWP work opportunities to community members, using a fair database system: a system through which the private sector will also be able to recruit job-seekers, providing further opportunities for training and future employment.

The AG has questioned the department’s EPWP data because it seems the same group of ANC cadres are given these jobs day after day, year after year in ANC-controlled areas.

We can ensure a fair system, and use the EPWP to give dignity and opportunity to those without jobs, by amending the Appropriations Bill to increase Vote 11: Public Works – by R1.2-billion, to provide approximately 180 000 more work opportunities in 2016/17.

Issued by DA, 18 May 2016