Expanded Public Works Programme A System of Patronage For the Connected Few

As a DA Councillor in the Tshwane Metro elected off the proportional representation list, I am assigned to two Wards currently run by the ANC, where my mandate is to oversee the running of the DA branches and to help grow support for the party in my allocated Wards.

I am the Shadow Councillor for Wards 14 and 74 both located in Hammanskraal.

On a weekly basis, the members of both DA branches raise the issue to me that the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is being used as a system of patronage in terms of which only card carrying ANC members have access to job opportunities.

There are minimal job opportunities in Wards 14 and 74, and this is no doubt due to government's creation of a job-disabling environment, where small businesses are not allowed to grow and the layers of bureaucracy are mind numbing.

It appears on the face of it that ordinary residents are punished for belonging to parties other than the ruling party.

As the Shadow Councillor for Wards 14 and 74, I challenge the Ward Councillors in both Wards to inform all residents timeously and clearly of how to apply for job opportunities in the EPWP.

I will shortly submit a petition on behalf of the residents of each Ward I oversee to call for the opening of the application process for EPWP jobs.

The DA's offer in this election is "Together for Jobs".

If the residents are not informed of exactly how to apply for EPWP jobs and presented with work opportunities, we will know precisely who is against the creation of jobs and who is for it.

One Nation. One Future.

Cllr Michael Shackleton is a DA Councillor in the Tshwane Metro

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