Anger over nepotism

Officials of Msukaligwa Municipality have once again had their hands full as contract workers of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Phezukomkhono, a Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) project, demonstrated in front of the Ermelo municipal offices against the alleged nepotism at the institution.
The group of unhappy employees allege that they have been overlooked, as none of them were considered for positions at the municipality, despite promises that they would have priority should positions be available.
It is also alleged that some officials are implicated in referring relatives and family members for the positions. Investigations are currently underway.
The protesting workers allege that they have been on a month-to-month contract after they were informed that money for the projects had dried up. Some of them allege that they were also recruited for door-to-door campaigns before the elections with the promise of considerations for jobs.
They were also frustrated that while they were away, unknown people, who were not even part of the programme, were employed.
Msukaligwa Municipality spokesman, Mandla Zwane, was approached for comment and he informed the Highvelder that the EPWP contract had expired and the municipality absorbed the employees on a month-to-month contract. He said 40 people were employed of whom four were appointed on internship on a two-year contract, 12 on permanent contract and the positions vary from supervisor to middle managers and 24 are general assistants on month-to-month contracts.
When asked whether the positions were advertised either internally or externally, Mr Zwane said only the permanent positions were advertised.
Municipal management met with the protestors’ delegation to discuss their grievances and Mr Zwane could not comment on what would happen to the group of employees. He did, however, mention that allegations involving municipal officials would be investigated and dealt with accordingly.
The GSDM spokesman, Thandeka Mavuso, could not be reached for comment regarding the matter.
During the demonstrations, members of the community were refused entry to the offices.
The EPWP programme was launched in 2004 and is a nationwide programme providing an avenue for labour absorption and income to poor households in the short to medium term.