Mogale City Local Municipality – The dismissal of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers has ignited tensions, with many claiming unfair treatment after years of service without permanent employment. Several workers, some of whom have worked for more than a decade under temporary contracts, are now left without a job, prompting accusations of exploitation by the local government.
The EPWP, a government initiative aimed at providing temporary jobs and alleviating poverty, has been operational in Mogale City for years. Many workers who were part of the programme allege they have consistently worked under contract renewals, only to be dismissed without being given an opportunity for permanent employment.
One of the affected workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed deep frustration:
“I have been working here for over ten years, always renewing my contract every few months. We have been promised permanent employment many times, but it never happened. Now we are being thrown out as if we don’t matter.”
Another worker said, “We were dismissed without notice or an exit strategy. They dismissed us on the same day they told us. There were posts that we went to interviews for but most of us failed and new people without experience were hired.”
This sentiment is shared by dozens of other EPWP workers in the region who feel betrayed by a system that, according to them, used their labour without offering them a stable future. Many argue that their long-term contributions to the municipality should have resulted in permanent employment, especially since the tasks they perform are ongoing and essential.
Mogale City officials have responded to the workers, stating that the EPWP is inherently a temporary job creation programme and that the contracts signed by workers clearly stipulate the nature of their employment.
However, this explanation has not satisfied the affected workers, who argue that years of continuous contract renewals demonstrate a need for their services and justify their demand for permanent positions.
Former Mogale City Mayor Tyrone Gray, along with DA Chief Whip Lesego Lekoto, have expressed solidarity with the affected EPWP members. They highlighted that in 2023, when Gray faced a motion of no confidence, an item was raised regarding the absorption of EPWP workers. A report titled “EPWP Status and Exit Report” was tabled and subsequently approved by the council. Lekoto criticised the management of the EPWP, stating that some workers have been employed for years without training or proper employment registration. As a result, they do not appear in labor records and cannot access UIF, despite deductions appearing on their payslips. She emphasised, “All major projects in Mogale City should prioritize the hiring of EPWP members.”
Lekoto also highlighted the importance of scholar patrollers who were part of the EPWP programme. “This issue extends beyond the workers themselves, as children are now at risk of being struck by vehicles on their way to and from school due to the lack of scholar patroller,” she explained. In response, a petition has been brought to schools, calling for the reinstatement of scholar patrollers to ensure student safety. She emphasised that the presence of scholar patrollers not only aids in protecting students but also provides crucial employment opportunities within the community.
The situation in Mogale City is reflective of a broader issue within the EPWP across South Africa, where many workers find themselves in a cycle of precarious employment, without benefits or job security.
In the meantime, the future remains uncertain for the dismissed EPWP workers in Mogale City. For many, the fight for justice is just beginning, and they remain determined to hold the local government accountable for what they deem years of unfair treatment.
As pressure mounts on Mogale City officials, the allegations of unfair dismissal highlight a growing debate around the effectiveness and fairness of the EPWP. Whether these workers will find the justice they seek remains to be seen, but their voices are a reminder that temporary work should not translate into long-term exploitation.
The EPWP has over the years existed as exploitation of vulnerable community members. Nothing else but cheap labour for government departments that save state coffers for looting by officials.
Labour’s laws meant to protect the citizens viz. Minimum wages, UIF, etc were not in place and the poorest of the poor community members endured the exploitation for the sake of providing a meal for their families.
All the duties performed by these community members are essential and basic for the benefit of the communities. Why then these posts are not prioritized and made permanent for continuity and permanency.
What happens to the funds deducted for UIF as they never reach the DOL.
It’s about time this EPWP is overhauled in the best interest of our community members.