CMF says withdrawal from EPWP aimed at protecting Integrity of both organisations as IDT probe continues

The Collen Mashawana Foundation (CMF) said its decision to withdraw from the Independent Development Trust’s (IDT) Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) aimed at protecting the integrity of both the Foundation and the IDT, as allegations of irregularities remain under investigation.

In a statement, CMF chief operating officer Austin Mashawana said the organisation opted to exit the programme with effect from 1 December 2025 following intense public scrutiny and concerns raised by its stakeholders.

“Our decision to withdraw is to protect the integrity of both the IDT and our organisation while ensuring that participants are not affected,” Mashawana said. He added that the foundation believed it had been “unjustly targeted in a manner that undermines the positive work we continue to do in vulnerable communities”.

CMF was appointed in August 2024 as one of 400 NPOs selected to manage EPWP participants nationally. The foundation said it employed more than 1 700 participants across five provinces and ensured payments were made in line with programme guidelines. It also reiterated that it has never received direct government funding.

The withdrawal comes after the IDT issued a Notice of Clarification on 10 November 2025, requiring CMF to respond to allegations of forged signatures on attendance registers and payment documents, provide proof of stipend compliance and submit supporting documents for verification.

The IDT said the notice formed part of its responsibility to safeguard public funds under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). CMF had requested an extension to compile its documentation, but the IDT noted that the organisation had previously indicated that all required documents were already available through its regional offices.

The Trust said an extension would only be considered once CMF submitted the documents initially requested. The IDT confirmed that while it has acknowledged the foundation’s withdrawal, internal processes would continue. An independent forensic review is under way to authenticate documents, assess compliance and determine whether any irregularities occurred.

Should wrongdoing be confirmed, the IDT said it will act in line with the PFMA, Treasury Regulations and its supply chain policies. Mashawana said CMF remained committed to its social programmes, including supporting child-headed households, the elderly and people living with disabilities.

"Our mission has not changed. We will continue to support vulnerable communities and drive sustainable development initiatives,” he said. The IDT said it is working with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to strengthen oversight mechanisms within the EPWP’s Non-State Sector.