EPWP workers in Soweto allege corruption, demand to be paid

JOHANNESBURG - Aggrieved Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) contractors blockaded parts of the roads leading into Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital in Soweto on Thursday morning. 

This follows allegations of corruption and nepotism by their local ward councillor. 

EPWP workers claim they have not been paid for more than a year, alleging someone is pocketing their money. 

Simangele Ngcobo said corruption and nepotism are the order of the day. 

She said about 17 EPWP workers had not been paid for more than a year and they have failed to get answers from their ward 46 councillor. 

“You can wake up every morning and go, you kid knows that mummy is going to work. Come month end, when you go back home and you don’t even have a packet of Simba chips or a small burger for your kids, it’s so sad, I don’t want to lie.” 

The 45-year-old mother said they were waiting for the provincial Department of Health to provide answers. 

Gauteng Health said they would comment on the issue in due course.

Meanwhile, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) said it would back a planned industrial action by workers at Ribas Manufacturers CC.

This follows a wage dispute between the company and the workers who are demanding a R4 per hour increase.

Ribas Manufacturing is currently offering R1.75 per hour.

SAFTU said this was unacceptable.

Spokesperson Trevor Shaku: “This will not help workers afford the basic necessities for themselves and their families.”