Job seekers gather in Kya Sands as police engage leaders
The community of Diepsloot demands jobs after allegations that some firms in Kya Sands are hiring foreigners.
Hundreds of job seekers from Diepsloot and surrounding communities gathered at Kya Sands Business Park on July 20 after a social media post called on unemployed residents to bring their CVs in the hope of securing employment.
The gathering followed claims by community leader Jacob Shika that anonymous workers from industrial firms had informed him that some companies were employing undocumented foreign nationals.
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Residents from Cosmo City, Kya Centre, Douglasdale and Bridgetown also joined the gathering after seeing the circulating social media message.
Shika said the community’s objective was to ensure that unemployed South Africans are given greater access to available job opportunities.
“Our main point is to get South Africans employed. We have received information from workers who claim foreigners are working in some of these companies, and we want these concerns to be addressed through engagement.”
Among those who arrived with hopes of finding work was 21-year-old Pontsho Seanego, who carried his CV with him.
Photo: Reitumetse Gugushe
“I came because I heard there could be job opportunities. Like many young people, I have been looking for work for a long time, and I’m hoping something positive comes from today.”
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As the crowd gathered outside the business park, police and private security officers maintained a visible presence to monitor the situation and engage with organisers.
In an effort to prevent tensions from escalating, police requested that the community nominate eight representatives to meet with officers and discuss their concerns.
While the meeting was being arranged, the remaining community members stayed outside the business park gates, chanting and monitoring activity at the entrance. Organisers said they intended to ensure that there was no movement through the gates while discussions with police were underway.
At the time of publication, the meeting between the police and the eight community representatives was still in progress, with community members waiting outside for feedback.
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