Jobs seekers clash with security at Linbro Business Park
A door-to-door job hunt by the SA Job Seekers’ Movement in Alexandra sparked tensions with security at Libra Business Park, leading to police intervention as frustrated youth demanded opportunities.
Tired of South Africa’s rising unemployment crisis, a group of young job seekers from Alexandra, the SA Job Seekers’ Movement, took their job seeking campaign to Linbro Business Park, hoping to hand over CVs and secure work at companies in the area. Unfortunately, their efforts hit a wall when security personnel denied them entry, escalating tensions at the gate.
Read more: SA Job Seekers boosts employment prospects for Alexandra youth
Security personnel, familiar with the group’s leaders from past encounters, argued that the large group gathering outside caused alarm among the companies’ management. “When a crowd shows up, people think trouble’s coming,” one guard explained. “There’s a process. You need an appointment to enter. You can’t just show up in a group looking for jobs. Bring the CVs, present it properly, and follow the procedure.”
Mush Raletjena, founder and chairperson of the SA Job Seekers’ Movement, insisted they had followed protocol. “We sent emails to the companies, two years ago, but got no replies. We just want to build a relationship, so we don’t have to keep showing up like this.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth Chairperson of SA Job Seekers’ Movement engages with the security personnel at Linbro Business Park during their door-to-door campaign. #Unemployment #Alex ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
The standoff prompted police intervention, with police officers emphasising the security’s concerns, warning that the large gathering could spark panic, and was, technically, unlawful. They urged the group to disperse, stressing the need for proper channels to seek employment.
After negotiations involving the police, security, and the job seekers, tensions eased. The movement’s leaders proposed sending a small delegation of three or four representatives to meet with management, but security still held firm on the need for prior appointments. Eventually, a compromise was reached and the movement handed over CVs for drivers and security personnel.
The SA Job Seekers’ Movement also gathered contact details from nearby companies for future outreach, vowing to continue their fight for employment opportunities.
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