eThekwini pushes back as Macpherson halts EPWP funding over corruption claims

The eThekwini Metro municipality has pushed back against Public Works and Infrastructure MinisterDean Macpherson’s decision to withhold Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) grant funding for the 2026/27 financial year —amid allegations of jobs for sex and cash— insisting it has implemented comprehensive remedial measures. This follows a material irregularity flagged by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) in 2021/22 that prompted Macpherson’s decision, which was announced on Tuesday. eThekwini Metro said it “has noted recent public comments made by the minister” and remained “committed to upholding the integrity of theEPWPand to ensuring that the programme continues to benefit communities in a responsible, transparent and accountable manner”.

It said that when theAGSAinformed it of the irregularities relating to EPWP payments, the metro “immediately implemented a series of remedial actions to address the matter and to prevent any recurrence”. Those included an investigation into and assessment of the irregularity, recovery of losses where applicable, disciplinary and/or legal action against implicated officials and strengthening of internal control systems and verification processes. “Ethekwini remains resolute in strengthening governance, reinforcing accountability and safeguarding public funds,” it said.

The metro said it “continues to cooperate fully with the AGSA and has been submitting regular progress reports on the implementation of the remedial action plan, in line with legislative requirements”. Macpherson announced the funding hold at a briefing in Durban on Tuesday, attended by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Martin Meyer and EPWP deputy director-general Carmen-Joy Abrahams. He gave the municipality 30 days to pass a council resolution endorsing a full investigation, detailed remedial action plan with timeframes, quantification of losses, recovery of funds and consequence management.

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“The irregularity relates to payments made for services not rendered in contravention of Section 65(2)(a) of the Municipal Finance Management Act,” Macpherson said. “This means that the municipality was unable to provide verifiable records, including attendance registers and supporting documentation to demonstrate that work was actually performed by the individuals who were paid.” The minister said the AG’s findings indicated the database included “ghost beneficiaries,

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