ActionSA condemns the inhumane treatment of EPWP workers in Nelson Mandela Bay and demands immediate action from the Minister of Public Works, Sihle Zikalala, as well as the Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk, to address these pressing concerns.
The exploitation and disregard of the well-being of these workers is unacceptable, and we call for swift accountability and resolution to ensure their rights and dignity are upheld.
ActionSA joined the picketing EPWP Workers outside Gqeberha City Hall on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. These workers are facing a multitude of challenges, including unpaid wages, unfair treatment, and a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). The workers, primarily women, in Nelson Mandela Bay were offered a 12-month contract starting in October 2023 at a rate of R16.00 an hour. However, the promised wages have failed to materialize consistently, with shortages and non-payment occurring monthly.
Of grave concern is the erratic nature of wage payments, with funds coming from various sources and SMS banking references changing monthly. ActionSA condemns the constant threats made by ANC ward councillors to quickly replace workers who voice their concerns and frustrations. It’s important to note that this EPWP program is not financed by the governing party’s purse nor outgoing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Matrass, yet there is a sense of entitlement and a self-given right to select as well as mistreat workers.
The Minister of Public Works must provide clarity on the funding framework and clarify where responsibilities for day-to-day job activities and the handling of remuneration payments lie. Cllr Thsonono Buyeye (MMC: Public Health) who took the time to listen to the workers’ concerns, failed to address these concerns adequately during his interaction with the EPWP workers. ActionSA strongly condemns his dismissive and insensitive attitude towards the workers’ issues, demonstrating a shallow understanding of the plight of the workers.
ActionSA believes and strongly asserts that this exploitative behaviour is unacceptable. The daily remuneration rate being paid by the State and its agencies as employers is below the legislated minimum wage and can only be described as exploitative and opportunistic. We stand firmly with the EPWP workers in their fight for fair treatment and dignity. ActionSA also questions the EPWP program’s credibility, which appears to be operating without clear accountability, public-facing contacts, or credible human resource management.
On this Human Rights Day, we would like to remind the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, together with the Minister of Public Works, that EPWP Workers are part of the greater South African society and share the same rights that we all share, including the inherent right to Human Dignity, which has been breached.
Public Works Minister Must Address EPWP ‘Ponzi Scheme’ In Nelson Mandela Bay Metro
ActionSA condemns the inhumane treatment of EPWP workers in Nelson Mandela Bay and demands immediate action from the Minister of Public Works, Sihle Zikalala, as well as the Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk, to address these pressing concerns.
The exploitation and disregard of the well-being of these workers is unacceptable, and we call for swift accountability and resolution to ensure their rights and dignity are upheld.
ActionSA joined the picketing EPWP Workers outside Gqeberha City Hall on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. These workers are facing a multitude of challenges, including unpaid wages, unfair treatment, and a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). The workers, primarily women, in Nelson Mandela Bay were offered a 12-month contract starting in October 2023 at a rate of R16.00 an hour. However, the promised wages have failed to materialize consistently, with shortages and non-payment occurring monthly.
Of grave concern is the erratic nature of wage payments, with funds coming from various sources and SMS banking references changing monthly. ActionSA condemns the constant threats made by ANC ward councillors to quickly replace workers who voice their concerns and frustrations. It’s important to note that this EPWP program is not financed by the governing party’s purse nor outgoing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Matrass, yet there is a sense of entitlement and a self-given right to select as well as mistreat workers.
The Minister of Public Works must provide clarity on the funding framework and clarify where responsibilities for day-to-day job activities and the handling of remuneration payments lie. Cllr Thsonono Buyeye (MMC: Public Health) who took the time to listen to the workers’ concerns, failed to address these concerns adequately during his interaction with the EPWP workers. ActionSA strongly condemns his dismissive and insensitive attitude towards the workers’ issues, demonstrating a shallow understanding of the plight of the workers.
ActionSA believes and strongly asserts that this exploitative behaviour is unacceptable. The daily remuneration rate being paid by the State and its agencies as employers is below the legislated minimum wage and can only be described as exploitative and opportunistic. We stand firmly with the EPWP workers in their fight for fair treatment and dignity. ActionSA also questions the EPWP program’s credibility, which appears to be operating without clear accountability, public-facing contacts, or credible human resource management.
On this Human Rights Day, we would like to remind the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, together with the Minister of Public Works, that EPWP Workers are part of the greater South African society and share the same rights that we all share, including the inherent right to Human Dignity, which has been breached.