Fourways jobseekers protest outside Montecasino over local hiring choices
Residents from several informal settlements picketed in Fourways to demand employment opportunities, alleging that local jobseekers are being overlooked.
Protesters from Diepsloot, Kya Sands, Clay Oven, and Ginger Park informal settlements picketed outside Montecasino in Fourways today, demanding answers regarding employment opportunities.
Among the protesters was 53-year-old Emily Kabini, who said she was unwilling to vote in upcoming elections due to her continued unemployment. “We want those cleaning jobs, security, or anything else,” said Kabini. “We are tired of sitting at home doing nothing while undocumented foreign nationals are working in our country.”
Read more: Resident shot during protest
Another protester, 24-year-old Trevor Mokhura, said he completed his engineering studies at college but has been unable to secure employment for three years. “I do not even know what to do,” said Mokwena. “I’ve tried everything to get a job but no luck.”
Mokhura said this was not the first time he had applied for a job at the establishment. He alleged that undocumented foreign nationals were working at the venue, claiming he had seen them serving customers during his visits. “We are tired,” he said. “Illegal undocumented foreigners must go back to their countries.”
He added that residents wanted employment opportunities prioritised for local jobseekers and were unhappy with what they viewed as a lack of progress.
Montecasino provided a box for protesters to submit their CVs, but Mokhura questioned whether the move would lead to actual appointments. “This is the standard procedure that has been happening, and nothing really much comes out of it,” he said. “They must employ us.”
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Mokhura said submitting CVs was insufficient and that protesters intended to remain at the venue throughout the day until they received answers. “Why would they even ask us to provide CVs when we don’t even have them?” he added.
Representatives from Montecasino were present during the protest but declined to comment when approached at the scene.
Officers from Douglasdale Police Station alongside Douglasdale CPF and private security monitored the situation.
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