Hundreds of Limpopo Workers Face Months Without Pay Amidst Project Disputes
A significant number of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers in the Thohoyandou area of Limpopo province are reportedly facing a dire financial situation, having not received wages for several months. Approximately 350 individuals, engaged in a project that commenced in July 2025, claim they are owed substantial amounts for their labour.
The project was designed to run for a period of five months, with contracts for the participating workers. However, many report receiving payment for only one to four months, while others allege they have not been paid at all. The workers were part of an EPWP initiative funded by the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and implemented by the Collen Mashawana Foundation (CMF), a philanthropic organisation founded by the proprietor of Afribiz Invest.
Workers Detail Hardship and Unpaid Dues
The impact of the non-payment is deeply felt by the affected individuals, many of whom relied on this income to support their families. Phalwanda Malange, a resident of Tshidongololwe, shared her plight. She stated that she is owed wages for cleaning services provided at schools and crèches. Her daily rate was R126, working 14 days per month. Malange explained that she worked for the entire four-month contract period but has yet to receive her full remuneration.
“I demand my money because I was told to sign a payment sheet by a CMF worker,” Malange stated. “Due to high unemployment, I continued working to support my four children, but I received nothing. R1,764 for one month is not fair.” Her experience highlights the desperation faced by those seeking employment and the subsequent distress caused by withheld wages.
Scrutiny and Investigations Emerge
The situation escalated in November when the IDT announced its withdrawal from its arrangement with the CMF and initiated an investigation into the matter. The IDT had previously issued a formal notice to the CMF, requesting clarification regarding its payment procedures for the workers involved in the project.
Emmanuel Muravha, who served as a supervisor on the project, raised serious concerns about potential financial irregularities. He alleged that “Some signatures were forged, and some unpaid workers refused to sign the payment sheets.” This assertion points to possible fraudulent activities within the payment system.
In response to the growing concerns, the CMF issued a statement in December, expressing its commitment to ensuring that workers would be paid for the period preceding its withdrawal from the project. However, the CMF indicated that the IDT would be directly responsible for disbursing these payments, rather than the foundation itself. Despite this commitment, Muravha reported to GroundUp that even for workers whose banking details had been verified, payments had still not been processed.
Ntombi Mavuso, the finance manager for the CMF, declined to comment on the specifics of the situation, stating, “We cannot comment on the matter. The IDT should be able to provide answers.” This redirection of responsibility further complicates the resolution for the unpaid workers.
IDT Provides Update Amidst Ongoing Investigation
Sfiso Nsibande, the CEO of the IDT, provided an update on the situation, noting that out of the 350 participating workers, only 280 had come forward to have their information verified. He assured that payments would be made to these verified participants “by next week.”
According to the IDT’s account, the CMF had fulfilled its payment obligations to the workers for the period between July and September. The outstanding payments primarily relate to 28 days of work in October and November 2025. The CMF, in its own notice, stated that it had not received payment from the IDT for the “period in question,” suggesting a potential breakdown in the funding chain.
The IDT confirmed that it is currently undertaking an independent forensic investigation into the allegations of forged signatures and other irregularities found in attendance registers and payment sheets. However, the IDT has refrained from disclosing further details about the investigation, citing that the matter is now “sub judice,” meaning it is under judicial consideration and cannot be discussed publicly. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial in determining accountability and ensuring that the affected workers finally receive their rightful compensation.
Published with the Limpopo Mirror.
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