PWP Workers in Gauteng Left Unpaid Amid IDT Tender Corruption Scandal

Gauteng, South Africa — Hundreds of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers in Gauteng remain unpaid for months, following allegations of corruption involving the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and a high-profile contractor.

A Daily Maverick investigation revealed that businessman Collen Mashawana, who secured a multi-million rand EPWP tender, allegedly made payments toward the private property of suspended IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka. This has raised serious concerns that funds meant for workers’ wages were misappropriated.

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Workers Shortchanged

According to the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), some EPWP workers, originally expected to earn R1,700, were reportedly paid as little as R360.

SANCO spokesperson Mzukisi Jam described the situation as “heartbreaking,” condemning the theft from vulnerable workers:
"They are stealing from the poorest of the poor without conscience," he said.

Jam also criticised the outsourcing of the EPWP initiative to private foundations, arguing that direct government management could have prevented such abuses, and lamented the lack of monitoring mechanisms to ensure fair payment.

Government Response

Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala has lodged criminal charges against Malaka following the scandal. While SANCO welcomed this action, Jam demanded further suspensions and deeper investigations, calling on investigative journalists to “dig deeper in uprooting the rot.”

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Systemic Corruption Concerns

The scandal has intensified criticism of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU). Jam accused the administration of showing “no difference” from past governments in addressing corruption and warned that repeated appeals by civic organisations have largely gone unanswered.

"Our calls always fall on deaf ears," he stated, underscoring the frustration of civil society in holding officials accountable.

Key Takeaways

• EPWP workers unpaid for months, with salaries drastically reduced.
• Alleged fund misappropriation involving IDT CEO and contractor.
• Civic groups call for further accountability and systemic reforms.
• Highlights ongoing concerns over government corruption and oversight failures.