Protests by CWP workers highlight plight of thousands of South African workers

by
1 min read
community work programme south african workers Cape Town

The Community Work Programme (CWP) workers have recently protested outside the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Pretoria due to delayed payments for April. This has brought attention to the situation of thousands of South African workers who rely solely on the CWP programme for their livelihoods. According to reports, over 260,800 CWP workers across the country have been affected by payment delays, which typically occur around contract renewal time. The delay is due to the CWP programme’s transition from an implementing agent to the COGTA.

Workers face challenges

The protests have caused frustration among the workers. With families to take care of, many rely heavily on the CWP programme for their livelihoods. This is a challenging time, especially for those whose families have run out of food and who are struggling to maintain debit orders and other payment policies due to the inconsistent payment schedule. These protests have also shed light on the need for the government to address the challenges faced by low-income workers in South Africa.

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

COGTA’s response

The COGTA has promised to pay the workers by the end of the week and has committed to insourcing the CWP programme. Additionally, the department aims to remodel the programme to ensure its smooth running in the future. Nevertheless, the protests have raised broader questions about the government’s dedication to solving the difficulties faced by low-income workers in the country.

Broader issues require a more comprehensive response

This situation highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to tackling poverty and inequality in South Africa. Measures to support low-income workers, such as improving access to training and education, increasing the minimum wage, and providing more social protections for vulnerable workers, are essential.

Conclusion

The protests by CWP workers have brought to light the struggles of low-income workers in South Africa. The delay in payment has understandably caused frustration among the workers, and the situation calls for the government to take a more comprehensive approach to addressing poverty and inequality in the country. Although the COGTA has promised to pay the workers, broader issues facing low-income workers require a more comprehensive response.

Tags:

You might be interested in

Sizwe Dlamini is a Cape Town-based journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food scene, from boeka picnics in the Bo-Kaap to seafood braais in Khayelitsha. Raised on the slopes of Table Mountain, he still starts every morning with a walk to the kramat in Constantia before heading out to discover whose grandmother is dishing up the best smoorsnoek that day.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

siya kolisi rugby
Previous Story

Captain of South Africa’s Rugby Team, Siya Kolisi, Recovers from Knee Surgery Ahead of World Cup

saps south africa
Next Story

SAPS makes significant arrest in fight against gang activity in South Africa

Latest from Blog

Medical Prodigy South African Education

A Teenager in a White Coat: How One Student Shattered South Africa’s Medical Age Record

{“summary”: “Imagine a whiz kid, David Obagbuwa, who started high school at 11 and became a doctor at just 21! He shattered South Africa’s medical age record, proving that a sharp mind and hard work can achieve amazing things. From classrooms in KwaZuluNatal to intense medical studies, David tackled every challenge. Even during lockdown, he quickly mastered his courses. Now, he’s ready to help people, showing that big dreams can come true, no matter how young you are.”}

Cape Epic Disability Inclusion

Martian Dust, Carbon ankles & a R4-million Promise: Inside the 2026 Cape Epic’s Mobility Rebellion

Get ready for the 2026 Cape Epic, but this isn’t just any bike race! Three special teams, using amazing robotic legs and carbon ankles, will tackle the tough trails. They’re racing to raise R4 million to buy 200 new prosthetic limbs, 150 wheelchairs, and 50 sports blades for people in South Africa who need them. Every pedal stroke helps someone gain freedom and move again, showing that movement is for everyone, not just a few. This epic journey turns sweat into hope, changing lives one kilometer at a time.

Cape Town Extortion

Cape Town’s Shadow State: How Extortion Became the New Township Taxman

Cape Town has a big problem: bad guys are shaking down businesses and projects for money. They act like “taxmen” in townships, making building costs shoot up and forcing small shops to close. These criminals cause fear, stop important work, and even kill people who get in their way. It’s like a shadow government taking over, making life hard for everyone and costing the city tons of money. People are scared, and it’s unclear how this dangerous situation will ever truly end.

Firefighting Leadership

The Woman Who Taught Cape Town to Breathe Under Fire

Arlene Wehr taught Cape Town how to fight fires like a boss! She was one of the first women firefighters and totally changed the game. Arlene created cool new ways to find water, like “Operation Liquid Grid,” and made sure everyone had a chance to become a firefighter, even women. Because of her, Cape Town is safer, and the fire department is much more welcoming to all.

Morea House luxury hotel

Morea House: Where the Atlantic Meets Art, Granite and Ghost-Nets

Morea House is Cape Town’s first fancy Marriott hotel, born from an old 1960s building. It shines with blushpink walls and art made from old fishing nets, making it feel truly special. This hotel is all about local beauty, from its design to its food, and even how it saves the planet. Imagine rooftop pools, unique spa experiences, and rooms where you wake up to amazing views. It’s a place where every detail tells a story of the ocean and the land, making your stay unforgettable.