Durban – A meeting of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers is set to take place today at Lahee Park in Pinetown, Durban, to discuss their future amidst the non-renewal of their contracts.
The workers, who are mostly sole breadwinners in their families, are frustrated and feel their livelihoods are being threatened. They claim they were not consulted prior to the decision to terminate their contracts.
According to an internal memorandum dated July 2, 2024, the eThekwini municipality faces a significant shortfall in funding for the EPWP program. The Department of Public Works reduced the Incentive Grant to R18.7 million, leaving a deficit of R278.3 million. Unfortunately, the City Manager and Chief Financial Officer have indicated that the municipality cannot sustain the program in its current form.
As a result, all EPWP participants will receive their final payments on July 25, 2024, and are instructed not to continue working beyond that date.
The workers will gather today to discuss the way forward and explore possible solutions. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Photo Credit: IOL
