Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has withheld EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) funding allocations to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality (which includes Durban in KwaZulu-Natal) for the 2026/27 financial year. This follows findings by the Auditor-General highlighting serious irregularities, including payments to ghost workers (non-existent or fictitious beneficiaries).
Key Details
- The minister, joined by KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer, briefed the media on Tuesday (14 April 2026) about the decision.
- eThekwini has been given a 30-day deadline to conduct a full investigation, implement corrective measures, and address the issues (such as cleaning up beneficiary lists and stopping irregular payments).
- Funding transfers are effectively on hold pending compliance. If the municipality fails to act, the withholding could continue or lead to further consequences.
This move aligns with Macpherson’s broader efforts to tackle abuse and mismanagement in the EPWP across provinces. Similar suspensions have occurred elsewhere (e.g., Matjhabeng in the Free State in 2025 over alleged inflated salaries for politicians), often followed by investigations and, in some cases, release of funds once cleared.
Background on EPWP in KZN/eThekwini
The EPWP is a national programme aimed at providing temporary work opportunities, skills development, and income support to unemployed and poor South Africans through labour-intensive projects in areas like infrastructure, environment, and social services. In KZN, it has historically created hundreds of thousands of work opportunities annually, coordinated by the provincial Department of Public Works and implemented by municipalities like eThekwini.
However, the programme has faced recurring criticism for:
- Irregular expenditure
- Ghost beneficiaries
- Political interference (e.g., jobs-for-kickbacks or cadre deployment)
- Poor oversight leading to funds not reaching intended participants
Earlier in 2025, National Treasury suspended around R861–900 million in other conditional grants to 25 KZN municipalities due to poor performance and non-compliance — though that was separate from the specific EPWP grant now affected in eThekwini.
Potential Impact
Suspending or withholding these funds could disrupt ongoing and planned EPWP projects in the Durban metro area, affecting thousands of low-income workers who rely on the stipends (typically for short-term roles like cleaning, maintenance, or construction support). Critics may argue it harms vulnerable communities, while supporters see it as necessary to prevent waste, corruption, and “ghost” payments that undermine the programme’s goals.
The provincial government and eThekwini are expected to respond with action plans within the 30-day window. This fits a pattern under the current administration of tighter oversight on public works spending.
For the latest official statements, check the Department of Public Works website or recent media advisories from the minister. If you’re directly affected (e.g., an EPWP participant in eThekwini), contact your local ward councillor or the municipality’s public works department for updates on your specific project.
