Question NW2220 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
23 September 2021 - NW2220
Seitlholo, Mr IS to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)What (a) number of employment opportunities have been created by the Expanded Public Works Programme in the Greater Taung Local Municipality and (b) was the monthly salary for each employee; (2) whether the employees contributed towards the Unemployment Insurance Fund; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the relevant details and (b) other contributions have the employees made?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. a) I have been informed by the Department that for the period from 01 April 2021 – 31 August 2021, a total of 3 466 work opportunities were reported in the EPWP Reporting System for participants who participated in various EPWP Projects implemented in the Greater Taung Local Municipality.
b) Based on the duration of work reflected as total employment days for each participant reported, participants were paid an average daily minimum wage rate of R97.50 which sums up to approximately R3 120 a month.
2. The Code of Good Practice on EPWP indicates that employers should comply with the Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001. However, based on the data reported in the EPWP Reporting System of EPWP participants in Greater Taung Municipality, the DPWI has noted that only the North West - Education and Sports Development have reported the payment of UIF contribution for participants to the value of R16 051. In cases where it’s reported that UIF has not been paid, the Department will request the proof of payment from those public bodies.
a) From the public bodies that implemented EPWP Projects in Greater Taung Municipality, there were no reports of the UIF payments for the participants captured in the EPWP Reporting System. To ensure the information on UIF is reported, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) will engage the public bodies who have not reported on the UIF payments for participants in the EPWP Reporting System. In the event that there is non-compliance by public bodies towards the payment of UIF for participants, the Unemployment Insurance Act provides for enforcement measures to be undertaken by a Labour Inspector.
(b) From the information required to be reported in the EPWP Reporting System, there are no other contributions reflected made by the employers. The information on any payments made to EPWP Participants by employers reside with the public bodies.