ANC Acts Swiftly, Suspends Bojanala MMC Over Explosive EPWP Worker Abuse Claims

In a swift response to shocking allegations of exploitation, the ANC in North West has suspended Winnie Sono, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Treasury in the Bojanala District Municipality. The suspension stems from explosive claims that she abused workers from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for personal and political gain.

The EPWP is a critical government initiative designed to provide temporary work and alleviate poverty by employing people for public benefit projects, like cleaning community spaces. However, sources allege that Sono, a former MMC for special projects, diverted these workers to her private residence in Lebotlwane.

According to the allegations, the EPWP workers were forced to perform domestic chores at Sono’s home, including clearing rubble and washing windows. In a further twist, it is claimed that she deducted money from their already meager wagesreportedly as low as R1,800 per monthdemanding R40 for ANC membership cards and R200 for fuel for her personal car.

A Party Under Pressure to Act

The ANC’s provincial leadership moved quickly to suspend Sono with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an internal investigation. A caucus member revealed that the party leadership vowed to take “decisive action” if the misconduct is proven.

“The feeling was that the ANC cannot afford to be associated with conduct that undermines the dignity of our people,” the member stated. “This matter will be dealt with swiftly.”

The scandal has also drawn the attention of national government, with Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson ordering an urgent investigation into the allegations.

A Successor in the Wings

As the investigation gets underway, party insiders indicate that the ANC is preparing to appoint Andries Monaheng, the former mayor of Moretele Local Municipality, to replace Sono. Monaheng is reportedly being considered due to his administrative experience and record of community engagement.

Winnie Sono, along with the ANC’s provincial spokesperson and the Bojanala municipal speaker, could not be reached for comment.

The case has cast a harsh spotlight on the vulnerability of low-wage government workers and the potential for their exploitation by those in power. The swift suspension signals the political sensitivity of the allegations, which strike at the heart of the ANC’s professed commitment to serving the poor.

{Source: IOL}

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