SDM clears EPWP contact termination issues
Groblersdal – After concerns arising from the public on the termination of contracts of the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) employees attached to Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM), the district municipality has come forward to clarify the matter.
The termination of the contracts has led to a mixed reactions from the public after one of the employees leaked the termination letter to various social media platforms.
The letters stated that the contracts will be automatically terminated on 30 June 2024 and nobody should report for work effectively from 1 July 2024.
The termination of the contract was announced a day after the general elections were held. Following the announcement, the public responded on social media platforms that the programme was designed as one of the ruling party’s electioneering campaign tools and the contracts were terminated because “the elections have passed and EPWP workers have already voted for the ANC”. “The Sekhukhune District Municipality wishes to address the concerns arising from the leaked letter regarding the intention to terminate the contracts of EPWP temporary workers. The letters were only meant and addressed to the workers only,” said SDM Spokesperson, Lemson Moropjane.
Moropjane indicated that it is important to note that providing a one month notice of termination is a standard administrative process.
“This procedure is in accordance with the EPWP’s workers’ contract, which stipulates that employees must be informed at least one month before the start of a new financial year or one month before their current contract expires,” explained Moropjane.
Furthermore, Moropjane said the district municipality want to emphasize that all individuals are obliged and strongly encouraged to reapply for these temporary job opportunities.
“These positions are designed to assist the unemployed members of our community and we remain committed to providing support and creating employment opportunities,” informed Moropjane.
He said the district municipality is dedicated to ensuring transparency and fairness in its all administrative processes.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation in this matter,” he said.