Polokwane Mayor Accused of Politicising EPWP Jobs
Polokwane – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Polokwane has raised serious concerns over what it terms political interference in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) recruitment process following comments made by Executive Mayor John Mpe during a Nelson Mandela Day event.
In a statement issued by DA Councillor Androe Botha, the party revealed it has written to Municipal Manager Thuso Nemugomoni to express “deep concern” regarding the implications of Mayor Mpe’s public remarks, which appeared to link participation in the commemorative event to job opportunities.
“During a public event on Nelson Mandela Day, Mpe seemingly publicly promised EPWP opportunities to all individuals present,” said Botha.
“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.”
Botha warned that such pronouncements create “a perception of political patronage or queue-jumping,” undermining the principles of transparency and merit central to the EPWP.
“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,” Botha added, referencing the 2024 Bowmans Report, which highlighted irregularities in EPWP appointments as a concern.
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Quoting the municipality’s draft EPWP policy, Botha emphasized that registration on the jobseeker database “does not guarantee employment, nor may it be used for preferential treatment,” and that recruitment must be “randomised and equitable, following transparent, auditable processes.”
The DA called for the public release of the municipality’s EPWP recruitment criteria and procedures, clarification on the role of political office-bearers in recruitment, inclusive communication of future job opportunities, and the implementation of an independent oversight mechanism to ensure fairness.
“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 concluded.
Municipality Rejects Nepotism Claims, Affirms Legal Integrity of EPWP Process
In response, the Polokwane Municipality issued a strongly worded statement denying any wrongdoing or political interference in the EPWP recruitment process.
“Polokwane Municipality has noted with concern the misleading commentary circulating on public platforms, alleging nepotism in the recent announcement that unemployed residents who participated in Nelson Mandela Day activities will be considered for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP),” the statement read.
The municipality said it “rejects, with the contempt it deserves, any attempt to distort a social development initiative into a false narrative of nepotism.”
It added that individuals mentioned during the Executive Mayor’s Mandela Day speech were merely acknowledged for their voluntary service and registered in the municipality’s unemployment database – a process that does not guarantee employment.
“The Executive Mayor’s commitment to uplift the unemployed, especially those who show initiative and community spirit, remains firm but always within the bounds of the law,” the statement read.
“Let it be categorically stated: there is no nepotism, no irregularity and no preferential treatment in the process.”
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The municipality emphasised that EPWP is not a conventional employment scheme but a social intervention designed to provide temporary relief to the unemployed.
“The Executive Mayor, in his capacity as political leader, is well within his legal mandate to pronounce on the expansion of EPWP opportunities as part of broader developmental priorities,” the statement continued, citing Section 56(2)(d) of the Municipal Systems Act.
However, it clarified that actual recruitment and appointment of EPWP participants is an administrative function handled by the City Manager’s office and must comply with transparent national and municipal policy.
“The process currently unfolding is consistent with these legal frameworks and administrative standards. Those registered are being screened for eligibility, and no one is appointed by political instruction or favouritism,” it said.
Polokwane Municipality urged the public “to seek clarity from credible sources and to support programmes aimed at empowering communities, not undermining them with reckless accusations.”