Media statement 19 October 2023
Cllr Kingsley Wakelin
MMC for Corporate and Shared Services
The City of Tshwane has conducted a full verification of all its 20 646 employees and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants to eliminate any potential ghost employees, to prevent any possible adverse audit findings and to demonstrate accountability to residents for the City’s salary bill.
Following the successful completion of this process, the City has frozen salary and stipend payments totalling over R2 million per month.
The verification process took place over a two-month period and required permanent and fixed-term contract employees to present themselves physically with proof of identity.
This process achieved a 99,8% success rate, verifying 20 602 employees, including those on suspension. Of the 44 employees who did not present themselves physically for verification, three were in hospital, seven were on extended sick leave and one was incarcerated. Further internal investigations are to be conducted with the line managers concerned.
A separate verification of EPWP participants took place, which confirmed 10 763 individuals (95,8%), however, 496 EPWP participants could not be verified.
Once unverified employees and EPWP participants were identified, the City took immediate steps to halt their salary and stipend payments, and further resolved to terminate their employment and participation in the EPWP. These actions have saved the City over R2 million per month. As part of our control measures, head of departments will continue to sign off on salary bills each month, and the City intends to conduct employee and EPWP participant verification on an annual basis.
This action confirms our commitment to clean audits and responsible use of the City’s strained finances. We will continue to uphold good governance and make us a City that works for all.
Enquiries: MMC Kingsley Wakelin (kingsleysw@tshwane.gov.za)