Limpopo Public Works Department faces accusations of political patronage in job appointments
The Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure is facing accusations from opposition parties, ActionSA and the EFF, of using state resources to secure support for the ANC ahead of the upcoming local government elections. ActionSA MP Malebo Patricia Kobe criticized the department's recent recruitment drive, labeling it a "jobs for comrades network" and questioning whether appointments are based on merit or political allegiance. Kobe stated that the state does not belong to the ANC and public employment should not be a reward for party loyalty, calling for an independent investigation by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson. The EFF also announced plans to approach the Public Protector to investigate appointments across provincial departments, with EFF Limpopo provincial chair Makgabo Lawrence Mapoulo alleging that new recruits are ANC branch members. DA MP Nico Pienaar similarly criticized alleged "cadre deployment" in Sekhukhune district and Ephraim Mogale local municipalities, arguing it undermines merit and contributes to the collapse of state capacity. Pienaar stated the DA will demand access to recruitment processes and write to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, for intervention. In response, Emmanuel Mongwe, spokesperson for the Limpopo public works department, dismissed the claims as "cheap politicking," stating the department is a public institution serving everyone. He aff