Today, 30 January 2019, I conducted an oversight inspection at New Life, Reeston in East London. I encountered women who have been approached to sleep with men if they want jobs within the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) of the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works. This is illegal and inhumane.
The practice of trading sexual favours for jobs has found a foothold across the province and has now been brought to the fore in the Buffalo City Metro (BCM).
I also conducted an oversight inspection in other areas in Reeston, such as Rena’s Farm, and Thembalethu and Khayelitsha townships. (see pictures above)
Female-headed households are widespread in the Reeston area and these families are struggling to put food on the table.
“Desperate women are being subjected to abuse in order to ensure EPWP jobs.” – Georgina Faldtman
Other problems encountered are the lack of schools, clinics and adequate housing in the area.
This EPWP sex for jobs scandal follows a week after the DA uncovered a sex for jobs debacle in Komani (Queenstown).
Desperate women are being subjected to abuse in order to ensure EPWP jobs.
Government must, as a matter of urgency, criminalise Sex for Jobs interviews (also known as carpet interviews).
The only way we will combat the scourge of carpet interviews is if we deal swiftly and decisively with each and every perpetrator.
We must show zero tolerance for this kind of abuse, and we must show no leniency at all for those found guilty. Perpetrators must be convicted by the law.
A DA government will ensure that carpet interviews are criminalised and all perpetrators arrested by an honest and professional police force that protects our people.
Under a DA national government, building One South Africa for All will mean women will be able to equally participate in the economy, through fair access to real and long-term jobs while feeling safe in their communities.