Job seekers from various parts of Merafong indicate that they are unhappy with the way local residents are being treated by mines in the area.
Last Tuesday, a large group of potential job seekers gathered at the park at the Carletonville Civic Centre to discuss issues related to the availability of jobs in the area. On Wednesday, they gathered at the offices of Teba (The Employment Bureau of Africa) in Carletonville to see whether they could get jobs from mines in the area.
‘Many people from other areas are still being employed at our local mines, while local residents struggle to find jobs. If people from here go to places like Rustenburg, those mines tell them that the jobs there are for local people,’ complained Mr Chucku Kerileng, one of the leaders of the action.
The unhappy residents say that, while it is true that many community members have received skills training at the mines, these are not the skills needed to get jobs at the mines. They also want the mines to start playing a more active role in community development.
The group vowed to gather at Teba again this Friday and says, if they are not assisted, they plan to protest at some of the mines in the area.
The Herald asked Teba for comment on Tuesday and received a response from the managing director, Dr Graham Herbert.
‘Teba confirms that a delegation presented itself at the Carletonville office on Wednesday morning. (As an aside, the delegation was led by a person who was recently declined in a job selection process at Teba. This same person threatened Teba staff, saying that he “couldn’t take responsibility for what happens next” unless he was given the job.) Because of the perceived threat to Teba staff, the SAPS was called and the crowd dispersed peacefully. Teba had a follow-up meeting with the delegation
yesterday, assuring them that Teba empathises with them, and will look into the issues raised. However, Teba is a service provider to the mining industry and we are not an employer. It is still up to the mines to decide on the skills and their strength requirements while contending with a tough economic environment.
‘It is important to note that the mines and the local municipalities have created various forums in which communities can have their concerns addressed.
Communities are represented in these forums, and Teba is also a participant
in these forums. We feel these forums serve a purpose and should still be observed
to ensure participation from all stakeholders. The community leaders have advised that they will have another demonstration at our offices on Friday 20 Jan. We believe they have reasonable expectations to have their concerns heard by the mines. We also
feel strongly, though, that no other person’s rights should be infringed upon during this process,’ he said.