On March 17 the angry youth living in Lesedi and Maledi villages gathered at 03:00 to protest against BHP Billiton not hiring them.
Earlier in the week the youth approached BHP Billiton with a memorandum, declaring their disgust in that the company would rather hire individuals from other provinces and cities than local qualified students, who had acquired their secondary education.
After the memorandum was denied by the company, the youth’s tempers and fury raged. They took to the streets early that morning and cut down trees, blockading Vandyksdrift Road, they lit tyres and used metal bins to block off the entrances to nearby villages, preventing residents from going to work that morning.
The entrances to Allendale High and Bingiduvha Primary Schools were blocked off, also preventing learners from attending school.
“We intend to do it again if the mine doesn’t reply to us,” said one of the youths.
At least 100 strikers took part in the strike which turned illegal, police were sent out to cordon off the area and to ensure the safety of residents.
The youth were reported to have chased passing cars with shamboks while chanting and shouting.
Attempts to contact BHP Billiton were made, however the company could not respond in time for print.
