F4SD Raises Concerns Over Political Use of EPWP in North West

Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) in the North West has expressed deep concern over the reported exploitation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for political campaigning purposes by the African National Congress (ANC).

In a statement, the F4SD says the EPWP was established with the noble objective of addressing unemployment and poverty in South Africa by providing short- to medium-term employment opportunities through various projects. However, recent events suggest that the ANC has been using EPWP projects as a tool to advance its political agenda, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 Provincial and National elections.

“While political parties have the right to engage in campaigning activities, it is crucial that such activities are conducted ethically and legally. Exploiting government-funded programs like the EPWP for political gain undermines the integrity of the program and raises serious questions about the fairness of the electoral process.

F4SD calls upon all political parties, including the ANC, to uphold the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability. The organization has also written to the Office Of Public Protector to investigate these allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure that public resources are not misused for political purposes,” read the statement.

Moreover, F4SD said is disappointed that only ANC card-carrying members were recruited into EPWP projects in the province. This selective recruitment raises concerns about fairness and equal opportunities for all citizens.

“As citizens and stakeholders in the democratic process, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and hold our leaders accountable for their actions. We must safeguard the integrity of our democratic institutions and strive to create a political environment characterized by fairness, equality, and respect for the rule of law,” the statement concluded.