In Cosmo City, a project meant to bring improved internet access and new opportunities to the neighbourhood has instead left a group of young workers feeling exploited and overlooked.

The workers, many of them just 21 years old, were recruited to dig holes for fibre poles. They allege that they were later required to carry and install heavy poles in extreme heat without adequate safety equipment. They also claim they were transported to work sites while seated unsecured at the back of trucks, raising serious safety concerns.
Payment has also been a major issue. Workers allege that their daily wage was reduced from R250 to R200 without explanation. They further claim they were paid in cash, handed over in envelopes at a local shopping centre, a practice they say was degrading and left them vulnerable to crime.

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According to the Cosmo City Residents Association (CCRA), concerns escalated on December 23, after it was discovered that money linked to the project was being paid into the private bank account of a former committee member. The association says the project was intended to pay R350 per pole, but workers allege they never received that full amount.

CCRA chairperson Buchule Raba-Mpinga said attempts were made to raise concerns with those overseeing the project, but no meaningful changes followed. “This project was supposed to uplift our community. Development without accountability amounts to exploitation.”

Responding to the allegations, Sivuyile Matshaya, a leader of Phakama Mhlali and the one who was responsible for paying the workers, as the money was paid directly into his account, denied any wrongdoing and said the matter should be addressed by FiberTime management. Matshaya said Raba-Mpinga, who previously served as secretary of the FiberTime steering committee, was directly involved in the project’s arrangements and responsible for reporting progress to FiberTime during his tenure. He said any discrepancies should have been raised at the time with the relevant project representatives.

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He added that FiberTime management was best placed to provide clarity on the project’s status, and any agreements or interactions involving the parties concerned, and said he would not be engaging further on the matter.

FiberTime has confirmed that it is looking into the allegations. The CCRA has formally called for the release of bank statements, pole installation records, invoices, and other supporting documents to clarify the situation. The association has warned that failure to address the matter could lead to calls for the suspension of FiberTime’s operations in Cosmo City.

Questions were sent to all the committee members and the main contractor. Responses will be added once received.