Local youth continue fighting for employment
Capt Bettinah Zondo, police spokesman, said cases of assault were reported.
SECUNDA – Police have been meeting with local companies regarding the recent protests by the Govan Mbeki Community Forum that was demanding jobs for locals.
The goal was to come up with strategies on how the police can assist in ensuring the safety of the protesters and employees of the companies.
Capt Bettinah Zondo, police spokesman, said cases of assault were reported.
Mr Vincent Krishna, manager of Global Industrial Consultants (Pty) Ltd in Secunda, said the protesters wanted them to hire local people for projects in Secunda.
Protesters assembled in front of Global Industrial Consultants at the end of May.
“We told them we did not have work for them currently and that they should approach the companies directly,” said Mr Krishna.
“They want to work on projects, but we do not have a lot of work for projects at the moment.
“We are not the decision makers, the companies who are doing the projects must decide.”
Local unemployed youths said they will continue to visit various companies and labour brokers to demand employment.
Also read: Youths from Govan Mbeki Municipal area accuse labour brokers on unfair practices
Members of the forum usually gather at the eMbalenhle Stadium to plan their activities and then go to their daily targets.
They began engaging with various companies to offer job opportunities to local youths last year.
Mr Tshepo Ncongwane, leader, said they noticed that the companies were not taking them seriously and that was why they decided to mobilise the masses.
“People from outside the Govan Mbeki Municipal jurisdiction are getting jobs daily.
“We also want to clarify that we are not politically involved and are only concerned about the plight of the youth.”
They alleged that labour brokers conduct unfair employment practices and that some of their site agents demand bribes before employing people.
Capt Bettinah Zondo, police spokesman, said Brig Sifiso Cela, cluster commander, will meet with local companies, labour brokers, and the protesters to ensure the community’s safety during the forum’s activities.
