In a public notice issued on 29 August, the municipality announced the immediate withdrawal of the short-term EPWP job advertisement. The positions were intended to provide temporary employment to residents in vulnerable communities, as part of the national EPWP initiative. 

The abrupt retraction has drawn criticism, particularly from the DA, which claims the move undermines the credibility of the programme. Municipal spokesperson Dika Kheswa explained the withdrawal stemmed from procedural issues within the municipality’s recruitment process.

“The reason for the withdrawal of 33 EPWP posts is that the advert was not compliant with recruitment processes and procedures. We will review the process and, in due time, advertise those positions again.”  

He said the municipality intends to follow proper timelines and protocols before reissuing the job advert. “As you know, the recruitment process takes seven to 14 to 21 days. We will definitely look into that and comply with the specified guidelines.”

The DA has raised serious concerns over the impact of the decision, stating it has left many residents in limbo.

“The abrupt decision has left dozens of residents without income and without answers, undermining the credibility of the EPWP programme, which is meant to support vulnerable communities through temporary work opportunities,” said DA councillor in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, Mbali Mnaba.

Mnaba confirmed the party has officially written to the Moqhaka Municipal Manager, Portia Tshabalala, demanding urgent clarity and accountability on the matter.

The controversy in Moqhaka comes as other Free State municipalities face increased scrutiny over the management of EPWP contracts. In Matjhabeng, the National Treasury’s Municipal Financial Recovery Services (MFRS) unit recently revealed during a workshop that more than R10 million had been spent from the municipal budget to fund its EPWP support unit. As a result, Matjhabeng Municipality has been instructed to terminate all EPWP contracts funded through the municipal budget by October.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg