‘We live hand to mouth’: Cape Town EPWP workers allegedly unpaid for six weeks

Frustration and desperation are mounting among Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers in Hanover Park, Mitchells Plain and Manenberg, who have allegedly gone six weeks without receiving their wages, leaving struggling families borrowing money just to put food on the table.

Community activist Yumna Alexander has raised serious concerns over the alleged non-payment, accusing the City of Cape Town's Recreation and Parks Department of failing vulnerable workers who continue reporting for duty despite their financial hardship.

According to Alexander, the workers earn just R145 a day, an amount many households already struggle to survive on. With payments allegedly delayed for six weeks, families have been pushed deeper into financial distress.

“These people live from hand to mouth,” Alexander said, describing the devastating impact of missed wages on households where every rand counts.

She said workers have been forced to borrow money for basic necessities, only to face the burden of repaying those debts when their salaries eventually arrive.

The consequences, she explained, extend far beyond the workers themselves.

Wives are waiting for husbands to bring home money, mothers are depending on their children to buy bread and milk, and young families are struggling to afford essentials such as nappies.

Alexander warned that the financial pressure is creating tension within households, leaving breadwinners feeling helpless despite fulfilling their employment responsibilities.

What makes the situation particularly upsetting, she said, is that workers have continued demonstrating unwavering commitment to their jobs.

“These workers still show up for work every day,” Alexander said, explaining that some arrive before their scheduled starting times and leave after their shifts have ended.

Despite their dedication, she alleged that workers fear being victimised for speaking publicly about the payment delays.

The affected workers have reportedly received repeated assurances over the past three weeks that their outstanding wages would be settled.

In an update on October 26, Alexander indicated that workers had been told they would receive their money by Saturday morning, October 31. However, the reported commitment has not been independently confirmed by the City.

Alexander also alleges that correspondence sent to relevant municipal departments and political offices has gone unanswered.

“We must bring the City to a point where we hold them accountable,” she said.

The allegations come against the backdrop of the City's recent announcement that it had created more than 203,000 temporary EPWP work opportunities over five financial years. The City describes the programme as an important source of income and work experience for unemployed residents. News and Notices

However, Alexander questions how a programme intended to alleviate poverty can fulfil its purpose when workers allegedly cannot access their wages.

The City is now being pressed to confirm how many workers are affected, explain the cause of the alleged six-week delay and clarify whether allocated funding has been made available.

Cape Argus reached out to the City, however the City of Cape Town responded by saying that it has received the enquiry and is looking into the details.