Zuko Komisa

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), has announced the extension of Community Work Programme (CWP) contracts for participants aged 55 and older.
In August last year, the department announced its plan to stop the participation of CWP workers who also get old age benefits, with the goal of redirecting resources to individuals who rely only on the programme for their living.
The department noted that the decision was reached after a comprehensive vetting process in partnership with the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa).
This decision was made during a bilateral discussion between Cogta minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to discuss the contracts for CWP participation.
“These cuts adversely impact participant payments and risk unauthorised expenditure by the Department of Cooperative Governance. It is imperative that we take decisive action to protect the programme’s integrity and ensure that participants receive the support they deserve.
“We are currently engaged in constructive consultations and will provide regular updates as the department works closely with all relevant stakeholders. We aim to address this issue thoughtfully, ensuring a careful balance between financial responsibility and social accountability,” said Hlabisa.
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