Pretoria – Reports that the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State was funding inflated salaries for former councillors and sitting political office bearers were false.
Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, over the weekend, released the findings of his department’s investigation into the allegations, which found that no national government EPWP funds were used to increase salaries.
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The probe found that the officials highlighted in media reports as earning up to 10 times more than they were entitled to were, in fact, not EPWP participants.
These officials were not paid from the EPWP Integrated Grant.
Minister Macpherson said it has been established that these officials were part of an “EPWP Support Unit” created by the municipality in the Mayor’s Office and funded through the municipal budget.
This has nothing to do with the national department.
“When I first learned of the allegations, I moved speedily to ensure that public funds are protected and that an investigation be conducted as soon as possible,” said Minister Macpherson in a statement on Sunday, 17 August 2025.
“I therefore commend departmental officials for conducting the investigation within three weeks, which found that all EPWP funds transferred to Matjhabeng are accounted for, and that grant money was used strictly for its intended purpose – creating work opportunities for unemployed South Africans.
“As the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, we will continue to ensure good governance and accountability.”
Minister Macpherson said he has directed that all EPWP funds withheld during the course of the investigation be released to Matjhabeng Local Municipality “so that projects creating much-needed work opportunities can continue without delay”.
However, the minister said the municipality has to answer itself on the merits of establishing an EPWP support unit using funding from the municipality’s budget.
