DA calls for independent audit into KwaZulu-Natal’s chaotic EPWP programme
9 October 2019
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will today write to KwaZulu-Natal Public Works MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni to call for the launch of an independent audit into the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the province.
The move comes after the recent Auditor-General (A-G) report which revealed that not only is the programme fraught with irregularities but the Department has completely lost control. It also comes as EPWP workers who form part of Durban Solid Waste (DSW) embark on yet another strike, claiming that promises made to them by eThekwini municipality regarding permanent employment had allegedly not been kept.
The DA regards the current EPWP programme in KZN as completely chaotic while being little more than a tool for the ANC to reward its own supporters with ‘jobs for pals’ and a desperate attempt to boost the province’s shocking employment figures.
Sadly, EPWP only creates short-term relief for workers – not real jobs – while the numbers submitted to the A-G by the Department also don’t add up.