NEWSFLASH: Protesters demand jobs at east construction sites
The intention is to ensure that people in nearby townships benefit from projects in their areas
A group of “protesters” moved from one construction site to another in the east of Pretoria on Wednesday, demanding that owners employ them.
The group started at the WHBO construction site on Frikkie De Beer Road in the Menlyn Maine area where a hospital was being built.
Led by representatives from the Tshwane chamber of commerce, Sanco and various ward councillors from Mamelodi, the protesters demanded that the contractors employed people within the Tshwane radius, especially townships.
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Mamelodi ward 15 councillor Joel Masilela said the protest was a peaceful march “aimed at creating a better partnership between residents and businesses”.
“The intention is to forge a partnership with business and residents of Tshwane.”
He said residents were not asking for handouts, “but for opportunities that would ensure that the dignity of African people is revived”.
In a memorandum handed over to the company, the protesters asked that they be included in all projects in Tshwane, and an increase of opportunities for women “and the recognition of the economic participation of our community at large for the purpose of poverty alleviation amongst others”.
WHBO representative Wayne Peterson accepted the memorandum and commended the crowd for being peaceful.
“We will accept this memo and it will be taken up at head office.”
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Peterson said he would give feedback next Thursday.
The protesters were due to move to the Barrow construction site on Mercy Avenue where a hotel was being built, to table the same demands.
Police were monitoring the group.
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