Tafelsig community voices frustrations over EPWP recruitment fairness

Residents in Tafelsig have raised concerns about the recruitment process of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in ward 82, calling for more transparency and fairness in how beneficiaries are selected.

The EPWP is a national government programme aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment through temporary work opportunities. 

According to the City of Cape Town, more than 900 000 jobseekers are registered on its EPWP database, while only 35 000 to 40 000 positions are available each year. After completing a contract, jobseekers become eligible again for randomised selection after a cooling-off period of up to three months.

On Wednesday, June 18, residents from Dolomites Street and surroundings picketed from their homes to the Tafelsig Community Hall, where the office of ward 82 councillor Washiela Harris is based.

Community leader Christine Petersen said local women expressed concerns over the fairness of the selection process. 

“We are concerned about the recruitment process, who is selected, how they are selected, and the lack of transparency. It’s a serious concern that in some cases two or more people from the same household are being employed through the EPWP, while others are excluded,” she said.

Rowena Daniels, 42, said she has been unemployed for five years. “I was unfairly retrenched from my previous job. I had just given birth to my daughter, and it was a difficult time. I registered on the City’s database, but I’ve been waiting ever since.” 

She said her husband is the only one working in a house shared by three families. “We’re all looking for jobs and opportunities. I have retail experience, I’m motivated, and I’m willing to learn,” she said.

Judy Martin, 43, said, “It’s the same people getting jobs. When we ask questions, we’re met with an attitude. It makes you feel despondent about handing in your CV. Printing it costs money, how many times must we keep doing it? We’re getting nowhere, and it’s not right.”

Shireen De Lily, 33, said she has never been selected for EPWP work despite years of registering. “We walked to the sub-council and council offices in Lentegeur and Rocklands, we did so with nothing to eat,” she said.

Ms Harris said: “On a job seekers form all information required must be handed in. We are able to take it to the sub-council office so that they don’t need to travel. Then it is out of our hands.”

On Thursday June 19, the Plainsman spoke to EPWP workers on the Dolomites field. 

Leon Jacobs, 52, said he waited eight years for a job and is now working a four-month contract under the Recreation and Parks Department. 

Alie Williams, 66, said: “I waited very long for a job. That goes for everyone, we all need to wait until we get a call.”

Shaun Hudsonberg, 41, from Tafelsig said protesting won’t help. He walked from hall to hall to find a job and waited for one.

Chaneez Hans, 32, said gangsterism should also be addressed. “The councillor doesn’t give us jobs and the same people are not getting the jobs.”

After their four-month contracts end, EPWP workers must reapply and wait for new opportunities.

The City said its policy is clear that ward councillors should not influence EPWP recruitments. 

Workers are selected through a randomised process within their registered sub-council. Due to supply and demand, not all jobseekers will receive work opportunities. Some may be selected more than once over three to five years, while others may wait longer,” said the City. 

The City said they sympathised with those not yet selected and urged residents to ensure their contact details are updated yearly at their local sub-council or at the walk-in centre at 50 Wale Street, Cape Town. This ensures they can be contacted when selected.

The City encouraged residents to stay informed about local recruitment drives.