eThekwini Municipality Challenges Halt of EPWP Funding Amid Corruption Allegations
The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa has contested Public Works 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 beneficiaries, payments to deceased individuals, and 'jobs for sex' scandals. The AGSA reported financial losses exceeding R3.28 million due to payments for services not rendered. In response, eThekwini officials assert they have implemented comprehensive remedial measures, including disciplinary actions against six employees, recovery of lost funds, and strengthened internal controls. The municipality emphasizes its full cooperation with investigators and commitment to transparency. Minister Macpherson has granted the council 30 days to endorse a detailed investigation and remedial plan, citing violations of the Municipal Finance Management Act. The dispute highlights ongoing governance challenges within local government infrastructure projects in KwaZulu-Natal, as authorities attempt to balance accountability with the continued delivery of public works benefits to communities.
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eThekwini Municipality Challenges Halt of EPWP Funding Amid Corruption Allegations
The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa has contested Public Works 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 beneficiaries, payments to deceased individuals, and 'jobs for sex' scandals. The AGSA reported financial losses exceeding R3.28 million due to payments for services not rendered. In response, eThekwini officials assert they have implemented comprehensive remedial measures, including disciplinary actions against six employees, recovery of lost funds, and strengthened internal controls. The municipality emphasizes its full cooperation with investigators and commitment to transparency. Minister Macpherson has granted the council 30 days to endorse a detailed investigation and remedial plan, citing violations of the Municipal Finance Management Act. The dispute highlights ongoing governance challenges within local government infrastructure projects in KwaZulu-Natal, as authorities attempt to balance accountability with the continued delivery of public works benefits to communities.
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