Alex job seekers take to streets in search of jobs
Imisebenzi Yethu leads Region E job seekers on a door-to-door campaign to industries in Kew in search of job opportunities. More than 40 job seekers joined the campaign and marched to various industries in Kew to seek
More than 40 job seekers joined the campaign and marched to various industries in Kew to seek job opportunities, skills development, learnerships, and sponsorships opportunities to grow their small businesses and to follow up on the CVs that had been dropped earlier.
“One of the reasons we came up with this campaign is because we want business industries’ attention; we want them to take us seriously because when only one person visits them and says he/she needs a job they do not even bother themselves with taking our CVs – they just tell us that they do not have any jobs.
“It is very difficult to find jobs here in Alexandra because of the companies in our industrial area who come to our community with their staff from different areas and do not hire anyone in the community,” said chairperson of Imisebenzi Yethu Mush Raletjena.
Imisebenzi Yethu spokesperson Mthokozisi Khambule said that they are tired of companies that use recruitment agencies that hire people from far places, he believes that the company should consist of maybe about 65% employed people from the community so they want the companies to hear what their complaints are.
According to Themba Mthethwa of the stakeholder management at City Power, one of the companies that job seekers targeted said he will take the issue and pass it to the seniors and if there is an opportunity that appears he will communicate with the chairperson.
“I know that the rate of unemployment is very high in Alexandra, and I do understand your concerns but there is no decision I can take on my own. I will pass your complaints to my seniors and only promise that I will try my level best to arrange a meeting for Raletjena to meet with my seniors to discuss a way forward and build relationships,” said Mthethwa.
A job seeker Tsholo Matjila said, “We went company-company in Kew asking for job opportunities and we came back with nothing and I am very disappointed by those companies that did not even want to hear what our grievances are.
“Being unemployed is no child’s play and it is very difficult for me as I have responsibilities and a family to take care of. The most painful part is that we have qualifications and experience but still, we are not hired,” she added.
Related article: Alex job seekers on the march for jobs
