Corruption Crackdown: Matjhabeng politicians’ pocket big bucks, EPWP cash halted

The cracks in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State have burst wide open and now the money tap has been turned off.

The municipality, already under fire for poor financial management and unanswered questions about its spending, has been dealt a heavy blow after Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson suspended Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) funds.

The decision follows shocking allegations that the programme meant to give unemployed youth and community members temporary work opportunities has instead been turned into a political gravy train.

According to explosive claims, former councillors and sitting political office bearers have been pocketing inflated EPWP salaries in some cases over R31 000 a month, which is ten times higher than the average EPWP stipend.

Macpherson minced no words:

“The EPWP is an essential lifeline for many communities. It would be unacceptable if any politician or official is found to have used the programme for personal benefit. We cannot turn a blind eye when serious allegations of abuse are raised.”

The scandal broke into the open when the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Portfolio Committee grilled Matjhabeng officials during an oversight meeting. When pressed for answers on budget allocations and fund usage, the officials failed to give clear, credible explanations.

Cogta committee chair Dr Zweli Mkhize has vowed that Parliament will not sit back while Free State communities suffer under failing municipalities.

The committee has been conducting oversight visits across the province, aiming to expose corruption, enforce accountability, and fix broken governance systems.