Allegations have been brought forward by protesting Public Employment Programme (PEP) employees over late payments.

One of the employees, Peter Thetele, says the reason why they have barred entry to the Braam Fischer building is because the Metro has been defaulting on their promises of paying them. He alleged 1500 employees have not been paid since the commencement of their employment in February.

He explained “at first they gave us excuses about how they only have one person to load the payroll of 1500 employees. We then understood as they promised they will pay us by month end of April. The date they set passed and they said 13 May, which is today and we still have not gotten paid.”

ALSO READ: Short-term employment for Mangaung residents

Thetele alleges that he was shocked when he signed a one page contract for Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employment.  Some of the employees also alleg they were advised not to read the contract, as they have nothing to worry about. The Acting Senior Secretary reportedly also spoke to PEP employees in a disrespectfully manner.

“She has told us how we are ungrateful for the jobs they have given us,” said Thetele.

OFM News has sent an enquiry to the Metro.

The PEP was initially launched at the end of March this year by the metro’s Executive Mayor, Mxolisi Siyonzana, and the Premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela. The programme was explained to be part of the presidential stimulus package to create public employment in response to the impact of Covid-19. Those employed under the programme will focus on cleaning, clearing and beautifying central business districts (CBDs), cemeteries, parks and open spaces, as well as respond to water leakages.

OFM News