Informal settlement residents cry foul over employment opportunities

"They are being manipulated for political gain," said Simelane.

April 17, 2021

Johann Badenhorst 1 minute read

Never Never residents feel that they have been overlooked and ignored.

Residents of the Never Never informal settlement feel let down by their ward councillor, Thulani Simelane.
A new construction project is underway at the Springs Fresh Produce Market in New Era, and it is claimed only one of the residents from the settlement was approached for employment opportunities.

Also read: Never Never residents want answers

“We want the ward councillor to give us jobs.
“They are always saying they want to empower the local people, but now they are only employing people from outside,” said Never Never community leader Charles Links.
Residents gathered at the construction site, demanding to speak with management.
“We want him to explain to us what is going on. That is all we want,” said Links.
Simelane explained candidates are chosen in a democratic system by the ward committee.

Also read: Never-Never community warned about shack removals

“Every time there is a project happening in that ward, someone from Never Never is employed. We always accommodate them and try and be fair, but we can’t employ the entire settlement, that just won’t be possible.
“These people are being misled by people outside of Never Never. They are being manipulated for political gain,” said Simelane.
Comment requested from the City of Ekurhuleni will be published once it has been received.