Sunday Times reports that unemployed residents selected to be part of government’s expanded public works programme (EPWP) for a monthly stipend of R1,800 were allegedly made to work at a North West city official’s home in Lebotlwane, clearing her garden of rubble, cleaning her house and washing windows.

In what has been described as a “brazen abuse of power”, one worker said they were also forced to take out ANC membership before they were admitted onto the programme. One worker also claims she was also forced to pay R200 of her stipend to the official “for fuel”. Winnie Sono, a member of the mayoral committee responsible for treasury and budget at the Bojanala district municipality, is accused of ordering about 40 community members to pay R40 each to take up ANC membership shortly after their stipends were paid. None of those made to join the ANC have received their membership cards and they have raised the matter with local ANC branch secretary Molly Chauke. “I’ve never seen the forms they say they were made to fill in ... the EPWP is unfortunately being abused,” Chauke stated. ANC North West spokesperson Tumelo Maruping said the party’s provincial secretary’s office was looking into the matter.

Sono allegedly made the EPWP workers clear rubble in wheelbarrows and wash windows on numerous occasions, including for two full weeks in January, at her home. A 35-year old who paid the R200 which she said Sono claimed was for her diesel costs said: “I felt abused as I had to work at the MMC’s home doing hard labour, and opted to pull out of the programme even though I needed the money.” Sono replied to the accusations as follows: “I reserve my comment. The speaker of council will respond,”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Isaac Mahlangu at Sunday Times (subscriber access only)

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