The DA has written to municipal manager,Thuso Nemugomoni, to express its deep concern regarding recent developments surrounding the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) recruitment process in Polokwane Municipality, following comments made by Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Mr John Mpe.
During a public event on Nelson Mandela day, Mpe seemingly publicly promised EPWP opportunities to all individuals present. While we acknowledge the importance of Mandela Day and the value of community service, it is unacceptable for participation in a commemorative civic event to be implied as a gateway to job opportunities, especially where procedural fairness and access to opportunity for all are legally required.
The DA is deeply concerned that Mayor Mpe’s pronouncement during public celebrations may have created a perception of political patronage or queue-jumping, undermining the principles of merit, transparency, and equal access that the EPWP stands for.
The appointment of EPWP and casual workers is an administrative function, not a political one and comments like this undermine public trust in the EPWP processes. It is no surprise that the 2024 Bowmans Report highlighted the irregularities and lack of oversight in EPWP appointments in the municipality as a matter of concern.
The municipality’s draft EPWP recruitment policy clearly states that:
- Registration on the Jobseeker Database is open to all unemployed residents who meet eligibility requirements.
- Registration does not guarantee employment, nor may it be used for preferential treatment.
- EPWP recruitment must be randomised and equitable, following transparent, auditable processes.
The concerns raised by the DA include lack of clarity in the randomisation process and how it aligns with national EPWP guidelines, political interference in an administrative function, and the risk of politicising poverty alleviation programmes and undermining public confidence in the fairness of processes.
The DA also calls on Polokwane Municipality to publicly release the EPWP recruitment criteria and selection procedures, clarify the role of political office-bearers in recruitment matters, ensure that future job opportunities are communicated openly and through inclusive platforms and implement an independent oversight mechanism to monitor fairness when applying the EPWP policy.
While we support all lawful and equitable efforts to uplift vulnerable communities through the EPWP, recruitment processes must be transparent, fair, non-political, and fully compliant with all legislation and municipal policy.
The DA remains committed to holding the municipality accountable and will continue to monitor the situation closely.