IN LIGHT of ongoing government-wide budgetary constraints, eThekwini Municipality has announced significant reductions in the number of beneficiaries of its Expanded Public Works Employment Programme (EPWP). This is while the Municipality actively explores measures to revive the programme. For the 2024/25 financial year, eThekwini will receive a R18.79 million incentive grant from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, a substantial reduction of R42 million compared to the previous year.

This budget cut has severely impacted the Municipality’s capacity to maintain the majority of EPWP beneficiaries. The Municipality regrets this development, which is beyond its control, and recognises the valuable contributions of the affected beneficiaries to service delivery. Efforts are underway to explore various solutions to fully resuscitate the EPWP, including engaging with National Treasury. The Municipality remains committed to finding ways to sustain the programme
and mitigate the impact on affected participants. However, the Municipality strongly condemns the recent service disruptions caused by EPWP participants whose contracts are ending this month. Participants have been protesting by blockading depot entrances and threatening employees, leading to service delivery backlogs, particularly in refuse collection in the Durban Central Business District and some residential areas. 

The Municipality has implemented enhanced security measures to prevent threats, intimidation, and imminent attacks on on-duty employees. Cases of intimidation and damage to Municipal property have been reported to the police for further investigation. The City apologises to affected communities and businesses for the disruption of refuse collection on
scheduled days. The City is pleased that services have resumed. The EPWP in eThekwini includes various projects aimed at addressing community needs such as crime prevention, cleanliness, and water management.

These projects are crucial components of eThekwini’s Integrated Development Plan, aiming to reduce unemployment, provide short-term income relief, and offer training for the previously disadvantaged and unemployed. The programme promotes economic growth and development integration across all sectors.