Mayor's job offers 'not nepotism, legal and compassionate'

The DA in Limpopo raised concerns over political interference in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) recruitment process in the Polokwane Municipality after Mayor John Mpe offered unemployed residents jobs during a recent Mandela Day celebration at extension 44.

- Barry Viljoen

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala, however, refuted claims that this points to nepotism, saying it speaks only of legal and compassionate governance.

Androe Botha, DA councillor in the municipality, said in a media release that the DA is deeply concerned after Mpe publicly promised EPWP opportunities to all individuals present.

"While we acknowledge the importance of Mandela Day and the value of community service, it is unacceptable for participation in a commemorative civic event to be implied as a gateway to job opportunities, especially where procedural fairness and access to opportunity for all are legally required," Botha said and claimed that Mpe's pronouncement during public celebrations may have created a perception of political patronage or queue-jumping, undermining the principles of merit, transparency and equal access that the EPWP stands for.

According to Botha, the appointment of EPWP and casual workers is an administrative function, not a political one and comments like this undermine public trust in the EPWP processes.

"It is no surprise that the 2024 Bowmans Report highlighted the irregularities and lack of oversight in EPWP appointments in the municipality as a matter of concern," she added.