Community leaders secure jobs for 10 men in push for employment
Community vows to return three times a week as leaders push for more jobs and demand further verification of employment practices.
A protest aimed at creating employment opportunities for local residents has already yielded results, with 10 unemployed men securing general worker positions following engagements between community leaders, police, and businesses at Kya Sands Business Park.
The appointments came after representatives from Diepsloot, Cosmo City, Kya Sands informal settlement, Douglasdale, and Bridgetown met with police and company representatives on July 20. According to community representative Norman Ramukumba, the companies opened vacancies for the 10 men.
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Each of the five participating communities selected two unemployed men to submit their curriculum vitae (CV) in an effort to ensure that opportunities were shared fairly. “The companies agreed to employ 10 men for general work, and they are expected to start work on Wednesday as their CV will be submitted upfront. It’s not placement that requires any skills, as it’s for general workers.”
The gathering followed concerns raised by community members over employment opportunities and allegations that some industrial firms were employing undocumented foreign nationals.
During discussions with the community, representatives from two companies denied employing undocumented foreign nationals.
Ramukumba said police advised the community that immigration-related concerns fall under the mandate of the department of home affairs. “The police told us that if we want to verify those claims, home affairs will need to be involved, because they are responsible for immigration matters.”
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Despite the breakthrough in securing employment for 10 men, community leaders said their campaign is far from over. They resolved to continue visiting businesses in the area every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in an effort to engage more employers and create additional opportunities for unemployed residents.
Leaders also said they want future engagements to benefit women who are struggling to find work. “Our goal is not only to help men. We also want women to receive employment opportunities, and we will continue engaging companies until more people are placed. We don’t want women to feel like they are just accompanying men in these marches.”
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