The Msikaba Bridge project experienced a somber atmosphere as the Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, expressed her deep sorrow regarding the recent fatal accident at the construction site. The accident occurred on May 5th at 11:00 am, at the South Main Batch Plant in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, resulting in the loss of a worker who was committed to ensuring the project’s successful completion.
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.