Violence erupts as protest outside Kwa-Thema CCC escalates

Kwa-Thema: A week-long peaceful protest outside the Kwa-Thema Customer Care Centre (CCC) escalated into violence after frustrated residents intensified their demands for answers from the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) regarding contract job allocations.

The group began their protest last Monday, initially gathering peacefully to voice concerns about what they believe is an unfair and non-transparent employment process. By this week, tensions had boiled over, resulting in the closure of the CCC.

Protesters claim the CoE has failed to explain how contract positions are awarded and renewed. According to them, when the city first introduced these contracts, residents were told they would run for three years, after which new candidates would be given opportunities.

“But now there are people who have worked for nine years. This means they have been offered the contract three times, while in our community, there are so many people who are unemployed,” one protester said.

“We want to know where and how to apply. As things stand, it looks like those who get these jobs are connected, or maybe there are bribes involved.”

Residents allege that despite days of protest, no metro officials have come forward to address their concerns. The group has vowed to continue their demonstration, and even intensify it, until they receive a formal response from the CoE.

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