eThekwini Challenges EPWP Funding Halt Amid Corruption Allegations
The eThekwini Metro municipality has contested Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson’s decision to withhold Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) funding for the 2026/27 financial year. The suspension follows a material irregularity identified by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), involving allegations of ghost workers, payments to deceased beneficiaries, and 'jobs for sex.' The AGSA reported financial losses exceeding R3.28 million due to payments for services not rendered. In response, eThekwini asserts it has implemented comprehensive remedial measures, including disciplinary actions against implicated officials, recovery of lost funds, and strengthened internal controls such as centralized payment functions and stricter verification processes. The municipality emphasizes its full cooperation with ongoing investigations and commitment to transparency. Minister Macpherson has granted the municipality 30 days to pass a council resolution endorsing a full investigation and detailed remedial plan. Despite these efforts, the minister maintains that the integrity of the EPWP is paramount and cannot be compromised by corruption, highlighting significant governance failures within the local authority's administration of public funds.
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eThekwini Challenges EPWP Funding Halt Amid Corruption Allegations
The eThekwini Metro municipality has contested Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson’s decision to withhold Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) funding for the 2026/27 financial year. The suspension follows a material irregularity identified by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), involving allegations of ghost workers, payments to deceased beneficiaries, and 'jobs for sex.' The AGSA reported financial losses exceeding R3.28 million due to payments for services not rendered. In response, eThekwini asserts it has implemented comprehensive remedial measures, including disciplinary actions against implicated officials, recovery of lost funds, and strengthened internal controls such as centralized payment functions and stricter verification processes. The municipality emphasizes its full cooperation with ongoing investigations and commitment to transparency. Minister Macpherson has granted the municipality 30 days to pass a council resolution endorsing a full investigation and detailed remedial plan. Despite these efforts, the minister maintains that the integrity of the EPWP is paramount and cannot be compromised by corruption, highlighting significant governance failures within the local authority's administration of public funds.
The Mail & Guardian