Job seekers in KwaDukuza allege extortion in government employment programmes

In the heart of KwaDukuza, a suburb marked by high unemployment, residents are reportedly subjected to coercive tactics to secure jobs within the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Individuals are allegedly compelled to declare their political affiliations or pay undisclosed fees to be considered for employment opportunities.

Many residents are abhorred with such practices as the EPWP was designed to offer relief and promote community development, but it appears to be undermined by corruption.

The EPWP, a national initiative aimed at reducing unemployment, by facilitating jobs in various sectors like street cleaning, community safety, and firefighting.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament S’bongiseni Vilakazi said that he intends to pose several Parliamentary inquiries regarding instances of collusion and bribery within the programme.

He demands full disclosure of payments made across the province's EPWP structures and insisted that law enforcement agencies probe these incidents further.

Vilakazi highlighted that reports of malpractice within the EPWP “unit” created in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality exemplify the corrupt practices that might also be occurring in KwaZulu-Natal.

The allegations are along the lines of councillors apparently orchestrating extortion schemes against the very beneficiaries the programme was aimed at assisting, by compelling recipients of jobs payback portions of their earnings under the guise of “gratitude.”

“This is theft from the unemployed,” Vilakazi said.

“These programmes are intended to provide temporary income to job-seekers to support their families. Extorting this lifeline turns it into a tool of exploitation and political patronage.”

Bhekimuzi Ntombela, not his real name, a local resident, expressed frustration at the pervasive corruption plaguing government programmes.

He said: “It is hard to get a job in contracts or programmes originating from the government.

"You must align with a certain grouping or belong to a political organisation.”

Ntombela added, “It is really sad to witness some of our brothers who we take as our leaders extorting money from us in order to get employment.

"These people want money from those of us who have nothing.” 

Similarly, 29-year-old Sibongiseni Nzuza from Groutville Ward 10 lamented that the local government's hiring practices were “rotten.”

Having faced joblessness since completing high school, Nzuza articulated his growing disillusionment with the political process: “I won’t ever vote again in my life, because voting only allows other people to become wealthy.”

However, concerns have emerged over alleged financial improprieties tied to these job placements.

The national departmental spokesperson Lennox Mabaso confirmed that the department was aware of the job theft claims in KwaZulu-Natal and, more broadly, of concerns about abuse within some EPWP placements.

“In fact, during Minister Macpherson’s EPWP Listening Tour held in uMngeni, KZN, as well as in other provinces, community members reported alleged ‘jobs for money or loyalty’ and other abuses.

"The Minister has been clear that these practices are unacceptable and that the programme must be reformed for transparency and fairness,” Mabaso said.  He said there should be credible evidence to the allegations for the department to institute a formal investigations.

Mabaso said the department could withhold or suspend EPWP Integrated Grant transfers pending verification, and it was done where audit and financial control red flags were raised.

“Once facts are established, we release funds or take further action as appropriate. Criminal conduct (such as “jobs-for-cash”) is referred to law enforcement, and the employer (municipality/province) must institute disciplinary action.

“Recent actions by the Minister -suspending and then, after a rapid on-the-ground verification, releasing funds in a separate EPWP matter demonstrate our zero-tolerance approach and our commitment to protecting grant money.”

On the question of whether the department was involved in hiring of personnel, Mabaso said recruitment was done by the implementing public bodies (municipalities, provincial departments, and other public entities) in line with the EPWP Recruitment Guidelines.

 “Our reform agenda - announced by the Minister - includes tightening controls (e.g piloting biometric attendance and improving recruitment transparency) and stopping transfers where audit requirements aren’t met, as well as ensuring that EPWP becomes a hand-up to permanent employment.”

DAILY NEWS