'Women pressured to perform sexual favours'

EPWP REFORM

- SIPHO JACK [e-mail]

THE Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has been riddled with allegations of jobs for pals and exclusion of people with disabilities.

To curb such tendencies, the department launched its EPWP Disability Framework in Chatsworth, south of Durban, yesterday, which is intended for the meaningful functioning of the programme.

Dean Macpherson, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, was in attendance.

Macpherson said, at the sidelines of the launch event held in Sungam Crescent, Westcliff, that his department was commitmented to reforming the EPWP initiative to ensure transparency in its operations.

He said some politicians and officials misused the EPWP to coerce individuals into compromising situations as a prerequisite for employment.

"Horrific stories abound of people being asked for money and producing party membership cards to secure jobs," MacPherson said, in denouncing such practices.

"Women are being pressured into providing sexual favours to gain employment opportunities.

"This is completely unacceptable in South Africa."