Macpherson halts EPWP funds to Free State municipality amid 'political gains'
City Press reported the municipality's EPWP pays inflated salaries to former councillors and sitting political office bearers, with others earning more than R31,000 a month — 10 times more than the average EPWP stipend.
The EPWP provides unemployed individuals, especially youth, with temporary employment opportunities while equipping them with skills to be employable. Participants receive a stipend.
Macpherson said the programme was not a 'vehicle for patronage'.
'The EPWP is an essential lifeline for many in communities around the country, including in Matjhabeng, and it would be unacceptable if any politician or official is found to have used the programme for personal benefit,' he said.
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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Macpherson also said responsibility and leadership could not be outsourced to anyone else. 'I have taken the step to be here this afternoon, and to say that when I say something, I mean it. It is a warning to anyone who contemplates criminality that it will not just be a function of the department or the board, but they will come up against me as the executive authority entrusted to lead this department.' Macpherson made the statement after he opened criminal charges against Malaka and IDT's spokesperson Phasha Makgolane after they were captured on video allegedly offering Daily Maverick journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh R60,000 to not investigate and report about the suspended CEO. Macpherson said watching the video of Malaka allegedly offering Myburgh a bribe made him sick and left him in disbelief. 'It's one thing to hear about corruption; it's another thing to see it take place so blatantly and with a feeling of impunity. 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