The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) report by the eThekwini Municipality found irregularities, including payments for services not rendered, payments to deceased beneficiaries, and payments to ineligible beneficiaries. eThekwini councillors called for better management of EPWP.
eThekwini councillors called for better management of the R46 million Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), extended until December 31, 2026.
In a report before the council on Tuesday, the municipality stated that it separated the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) matter from the contract extension because discontinuing EPWP services at this stage would negatively impact communities and place additional strain on already limited municipal resources.
A report submitted by the municipality identified R6.8 million in losses linked to irregularities. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson halted further payments to the municipality in April 2026.
Macpherson said the controls introduced by the municipality would be important in preventing similar problems in the future.
