EPWP corruption claims spark KZN overhaul

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has moved to overhaul the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), with MEC Martin Meyer warning that the initiative must not be abused for political or personal gain. Meyer was speaking during a media briefing in Durban The intervention follows a surge of complaints from communities across the province, with residents alleging political interference, favouritism and a lack of transparency in recruitment. During the department’s Citizens Engagement roadshow, frustrated residents claimed some applicants were asked to declare political affiliations, while others alleged that those with connections to officials were prioritised.

The department said these concerns mirror complaints submitted through its EPWP anti-fraud and whistleblower portal, which point to irregular recruitment processes and operational failures at municipal level. Meyer did not mince his words on the integrity of the programme, stressing that reform is unavoidable. “We found a department that doesn’t work,” he said, acknowledging broader systemic failures within public works that have also affected programmes such as EPWP.

He added that the programme must be protected from abuse, insisting it should uplift communities rather than serve narrow interests. “EPWP is a programme to elevate communities, not to be weaponised against the people,” Meyer has previously said.