Protesters demand an end to ageism

A large group of people protested outside the Department of Labour building in Pretoria last week Thursday against the exclusion of people aged 35 and older from the job market.

The march was organised by Forgotten Nation, a movement that advocates for the rights, needs and aspirations of “older” unemployed people.

Protesters met on the corner of Madiba and Kgosi Mampuru streets before marching to the department’s building. After submitting their memorandum, they dispersed.

The memorandum also included proposals on job creation.

“We want an end to ageism which is being used as a tool by both the public and private sectors to discriminate against over-35s,” said Forgotten Nation national co-ordinator Tsipa Mmatlou.

“We demand fairness in job selection and recruitment processes. We want the labour minister to acknowledge that ageism is not an official government policy, but rather a subtle policy used to discriminate.”

The movement demanded the department respond within seven days.

“We want the minister to develop skills, fund small businesses and create internship opportunities for people who graduated after 35.

“Township and rural workers, retail workers and small business owners should all receive access to funding for developing their entrepreneurship and related skills.”

They also wanted the department to create a database of CVs of older candidates.

Labour relations director Stephens Rathal promised the protesters that they would respond accordingly.

“After going through the demands, the government will see how it will assist.”

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