Serious allegations of “sex for jobs” and related corruption have emerged in KwaZulu-Natal’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), particularly in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality (which includes Durban). These claims surfaced publicly in mid-April 2026 during a media briefing.
Key Details from Reports
- KZN MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, described “sex for jobs” as an ongoing scandal. He stated it constitutes “a form of sexual abuse and a form of rape” that demands full criminal charges. Meyer referenced complaints from 18 whistleblowers about irregularities in EPWP recruitment and allocations.
- Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson announced the suspension of EPWP grant funding to eThekwini for the 2026/27 financial year. This followed an Auditor-General report that uncovered:
- Ghost workers and payments to deceased beneficiaries.
- Demands for cash, sexual favours, or proof of political affiliation in exchange for jobs.
- Allocation of positions to relatives, friends, or political allies rather than qualifying unemployed individuals.
Applicants reportedly faced ultimatums involving payment for jobs or sexual exploitation, alongside political interference that undermined the programme’s goal of providing temporary work opportunities to the unemployed.
Broader Context
The EPWP is a national government initiative across all spheres of government to create short-term work and skills development for poor and unemployed South Africans, focusing on labour-intensive projects in areas like infrastructure, environment, and community services. However, it has faced repeated national criticisms for corruption, including “jobs for pals,” cash-for-jobs schemes, and sexual exploitation — issues Macpherson has been addressing through a nationwide “listening tour” since late 2024.
eThekwini municipality has pushed back against the funding suspension, claiming it has already implemented remedial measures. Critics argue the programme has been politicised and lacks transparency in beneficiary selection.
Official Response
- Authorities, including Macpherson and Meyer, have vowed to depoliticise the EPWP, improve oversight, and ensure fair, transparent recruitment.
- Meyer emphasised that such abuses require criminal investigation, not just internal fixes.
- The suspension aims to pressure the metro into proper investigations and corrective action before funding resumes.
These allegations highlight systemic vulnerabilities in public employment programmes, where desperate job seekers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. If substantiated, the “sex for jobs” claims represent serious criminal offences involving sexual coercion.
Local media outlets (IOL/Daily News, News24, Mail & Guardian) have covered the story extensively in the past 48 hours, based on the Durban briefing. Investigations are ongoing, and more details may emerge as whistleblower complaints are processed.
