KAROO NEWS - Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha expressed regret and concern over the delay in paying EPWP workers on their scheduled payment date. 

He has instructed department officials to collaborate with the South African post office (Sapo) and the Post Bank to prevent a recurrence. 

The problem arose when the Post Office, responsible for processing worker payments, allegedly ran out of funds, leaving many EPWP workers without payment. The most affected area was Mbizana in the Alfred Ndzo District, with a few similar cases reported in other parts of the province. 

Nqatha stated that such incidents should not happen and extended sympathy to the affected workers. He clarified that the department was not responsible for the non-payment but would work with Sapo to ensure workers receive their due compensation.

Following a meeting between the department and Sapo in Bizana, it was determined that insufficient cash to pay all beneficiaries was the primary reason for the non-payment. 

This was partly due to the high demand for cash on month-end days, as social grant beneficiaries also collect their payments at the post office. The cautious approach of keeping less cash on site due to previous robberies was also a contributing factor. 

The department assured EPWP workers that it would continue to honour its contractual agreement with them.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’