Central SA
Matjhabeng Municipality promises internal investigation into EPWP allegations─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:51 Wed, 30 Jul 2025
The Matjhabeng Local Municipality will be submitting a report after 14 days of the conclusion of the internal investigation, which they will be launching on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) allegations.
The Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng, Cllr Thanduxolo Khalipha, is committed to launching a thorough internal investigation into the matter, and the report will be submitted to relevant provincial MECs.
The report will be submitted to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Parliament, the Premier of the Free State province, the Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), the MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, and the MEC for Finance in the province.
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure called for an immediate stop to all EPWP transfers to the municipality on Sunday (27/7), pending a full investigation into the reported abuse.
The funding was suspended due to allegations that three former ward councillors earn R31,691 per month from the programme, and one current ward secretary also earns the same amount.
“The Matjhabeng Local Municipality has noted with serious concern the recent media reports and public speculation regarding the management of EPWP, particularly concerning the reimbursement of its participants,” said Matjhabeng Municipality spokesperson Tshediso Tlali.
“While we welcome the decision by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure to initiate a formal investigation into this matter, we are deeply concerned by the decision to suspend EPWP funding to the municipality before the conclusion of the investigation and the release of its findings.”
Such a decision has significant implications for many of our residents who rely on the EPWP for temporary employment and essential income support, he said.
Free State political parties have welcomed the move to suspend the funding, but at the same time, they are sad for the recipients who will suffer the most. The EFF called for a case of perjury to be opened, while the DA welcomed the Minister’s decision, and ActionSA called the suspension a long-overdue move.
The municipality appealed to the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to ensure that all related processes moving forward are fair and consultative. “We believe that constructive intergovernmental collaboration is essential in addressing challenges and advancing the well-being of our communities,” said Tlali.
“The Municipality will refrain from making further public comments until the internal investigation has been concluded and the final report has been submitted to the relevant authorities.”
