At the end of June the full extent of the significant staff shortage hindering the full operation of refuse collection in Matjhabeng became very apparent.
This critical situation was mainly due to Matjhabeng’s reliance on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Because of the reliance on this national government programme, no permanent staff have been employed in this department.
“The contracts ended the end of June and highlighted the significant deficiency in permanent staffing, planning, and management for this crucial function,” says Abby Schoeman, DA councillor in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality .
The EPWP is a labour-intensive government initiative funded by public resources to provide public services. The programme plays a vital role in alleviating unemployment and poverty by offering temporary work across the country.
“However, Matjhabeng’s heavy reliance on EPWP workers for refuse removal causes delays when contracts end. The municipality should utilise EPWP workers for tasks outlined in their contracts, such as general cleaning and minor maintenance within the community,” says Schoeman.
Although six refuse removal trucks were provided on 1 July, limited carrier staff resulted in only three areas being serviced. The following days saw a similar pattern of staff constraints affecting refuse collection. On 2 July, five refuse removal trucks were made available, but only ten carriers arrived at work, resulting in only six areas being serviced. On 3 July, nine carriers arrived, allowing seven areas to be scheduled for service. There are 36 wards in Matjhabeng, covering an area of 5,155 km2.
Councillors Schoeman and her colleague Rene Steyn immediately and urgently contacted the municipal manager, Lonwabo Ngoqo, on 5 July.
“We have not received any updates on the EPWP contracts, or a timeline for a resolution. On 16 July, a voice note circulated on WhatsApp alleging that the ANC, under the mayor’s directive, was seeking potential EPWP employees without informing several ward councillors.
“This news came as a surprise to many ward councillors who were notified by concerned constituents. The lack of communication from the municipal manager, and the mayor’s preference for informing ANC structures about job positions before seeking input for a diverse community list from ward councillors, is troubling,” they said in a joint statement.
