Ottery job seekers question EPWP fairness

Ottery residents have raised their concerns about what they say is the unfair renewal of job contracts within the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The EPWP is a government initiative designed to create job opportunities, sustainable livelihoods and skills development for poor and unemployed people. The primary focus is on labour intensive methods in construction and infrastructure related programmes. The EPWP was launched in 2004.

The community called a meeting with Ward 66 councillor William Akim at the multi-purpose hall in Ottery on Monday August 19 to vent their frustrations.

They say not everyone gets a fair chance of getting a job because the same people are being employed every year.

Melanie Arendse, who represented community members, said there was an unequal distribution of employed workers at some sites, for example the Edward Road project in Ottery.

Ms Arendse said they are concerned about the same people working on one project with different contractors for nearly three years. “We have the right to information on how individuals that have been appointed as CLOs (community liaison officers) on the Edward Road project, can be appointed on every contract.”

Ms Arendse’s main concern is that the City’s database system needs to be reprogrammed. “The database is like a gambling machine. They should do this according to a date form. When you’ve applied for example in January and someone applied in June but you find that the person who applied in June gets the first opportunity.

“The other concern is that everyone deserves a second chance. “People who had a petty crime record over five years, who have changed, should get a second chance.”

Ms Arendse said that if the same people are employed “over and over” the rest of the community won’t get a chance to work. “The main aim is to get our people work.”

Mr Akim said the ward councillors are not involved in appointing temporary workers. “My office will supply the job application forms with a copy of their identity documents which will be added to the database at the central office in Cape Town.”

Southern Mail asked Kevin Southgate, chairman of Sub-council 18, what the protocol was for EPWP contracts. “

Each opportunity depends on the nature of the contract and the duration. Some contracts can be either 3, 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. Some contracts are City-based while others can be contractor-based.”

When asked how many times a person be employed in the EPWP system, Mr Southgate replied. “A person can benefit from a number of opportunities provided they comply with the rules. After every contract depending on the duration the beneficiaries are subject to a ‘cooling off’ period before they can benefit from another opportunity. In that way more people can benefit from opportunities.”

Mr Southgate said some contracts are not awarded on a month by month basis. “The City could have short contracts while private company contracts could be longer as it depends on the size and duration of the actual contract. If people are serious about working then they must put in the effort by ensuring that their details are updated regularly.”

When asked about the allegation that the same people are working on a project for almost three years, Mr Southgate said, “They need to provide proof. It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that their contact details are updated on the system especially when their contact details change. What we have found is that people don’t do that and then complain that they don’t get opportunities.”

When asked who appoints the community and the CLOs, Mr Southgate said: “In the case of a City contract, the City will do that based on the person's skills set and ability to fulfil the role. There are strict criteria to be followed.

“In the case of a private contractor doing work for the City, there are different rules that apply. The one thing that is constant is that the contractor needs to work through the EPWP office when recruiting people from the community.”

When asked if there will be a meeting scheduled regarding the community’s concerns, Mr Southgate said: “We will need to test the allegations before we can set up any meeting.

“As councillors we don’t get involved in the appointment of EPWP workers. I will engage the Sub-council manager and request that he facilitates an engagement should there be a need for one,” said Mr Southgate.