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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 67472, member: 636"] South Africa's Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has ordered an immediate probe after allegations emerged that workers in the Expanded Public Works Programme were exploited for personal services within the Bojanala District Municipality. Reports indicate participants faced demands to complete household tasks for a mayoral committee member while being pressured to contribute funds toward political party memberships. The minister condemned these actions on Sunday as potentially serious misconduct that violates the program's mission to provide meaningful employment opportunities. Macpherson instructed departmental staff to collaborate with North West provincial officials and municipal authorities to verify whether recruitment policies were violated and whether national program funds faced misuse. He emphasized that any individuals found responsible would encounter immediate consequences and possible criminal charges. The minister stated the program exists to empower communities rather than advance private or partisan interests. The Expanded Public Works Programme has generated millions of temporary positions since its 2004 launch, but continues facing scrutiny over corruption and political interference. This investigation follows a similar review in Matjhabeng Local Municipality earlier in 2025, where systemic weaknesses were identified. Macpherson has prioritized strengthening oversight and accountability measures across all participating municipalities to safeguard vulnerable workers from exploitation. [/QUOTE]

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