The Democratic Alliance in Taung will object to the ANC’s continued politicisation of the hiring process within the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The DA has found that in Ward 8 Taung, a number of ANC card-carrying members were hired under the EPWP whilst those affiliated with other political parties were deliberately excluded.

The EPWP is meant to uplift the lives of residents by providing poverty and income relief through temporary work for the unemployed.

It is unfortunate that the ANC is manipulating this process to cater to the needs of their members and exclude residents on the basis of their affiliation to other political parties.

It is against the law to deny someone a work opportunity based on their political association. The ANC is in direct violation of South Africa’s Constitution which states that every citizen has a right to be a part of, and associate with a political party of their choice, free from intimidation, ridicule and prejudice.

On Wednesday 7 August, the DA will attend a community meeting regarding this EPWP project where we will raise our objections and to apply pressure to ensure that the EPWP hiring process is fair.

The DA will continue to fight for the rights of all citizens to ensure that they are not discriminated against, regardless of their political affiliation.

In the Western Cape, as well is in all the municipalities across the country where the DA is in government, we extend EPWP work opportunities to all those in need through a fair and equitable process that does not discriminate against any person.

 

Issued by The DA