Locals desperately need jobs
Unemployed locals confronted Sasol about jobs given to outsiders.
eMBALENHLE – Hundreds of unemployed locals, mainly the youth, held a protest at the Sasol Charlie 1 gate to voice their desperation to get employment on Wednesday, 15 February.
They walked for about nine kilometres and alleged that Sasol and its service providers conduct unfair employment practices, and to submit their CVs.
Some of the people however thought Sasol was hiring people.
Mr Khehla Mahlangu, convener of the protest, said some received the wrong information that he promised Sasol would employ them.
“We wanted to confront the company about unfair practices.
“The company does not give jobs to locals, but to outsiders.
“As we speak, there is a project underway, but the majority of people working on it are from Standerton and the Vaal.
“This is not fair, we are starving while outsiders are enjoying our bread.”
The crowd waited for hours outside the Sasol gate, under strong surveillance by Public Order Police and Sasol Security.
The police urged the crowd to dispense as the gathering was illegal.
However the conveners did not want to leave until they were addressed by Ms Maureen Mbhoshane.
Police explained the procedure for applying for a march.
“We know how to apply for a march, but it does not work because we have been doing this since 2008.
“Sasol does not want to listen to us.
“We want to see them, they must address the community,” said Mr Mahlangu.
Sasol refused to address the protesters and invited the leaders to a meeting.
They did not comment at time of going to press.
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