“Money made in eMalahleni should benefit eMalahleni,” residents say as tensions mount over unemployment
Concerns are mounting as residents accuse local businesses of providing employment for people from other cities rather than local residents.
A large community group gathered at the N4 Business Park this morning to voice their frustrations over rising unemployment and what they describe as unfair hiring practices by companies.
According to community members, businesses operating in the area are prioritising workers from outside Emalahleni, leaving many locals without opportunities despite the town’s high unemployment rate.
Broader concerns are about whether companies based in eMalahleni are truly contributing to the local economy.
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Residents stressed that they want transparency from businesses, including access to company bank account information, to determine whether profits generated in eMalahleni are reinvested locally or redirected to other cities.
@witbanknews Disgruntled residents want to know how many local workforce is employed by companies in eMalahleni #witbanknews #jobsearch #fyp @Witbank News #jobseeker #Emalahleni ♬ original sound – Witbank News
“Money made in eMalahleni should benefit eMalahleni,” one resident said.
In response to the residents’ concerns, the MMC for Technical Services, Thabang Mathebula, visited the business the angry residents demanded answers from, to engage with stakeholders.
Residents emphasised that they gathered for employment as well as economic justice. They argued that local companies have a responsibility to uplift the community that sustains them.
An update will follow after Mathebula and stakeholders’ meeting is concluded.
From service delivery to employment opportunities, Siyanqoba residents say the inaction has gone on too long
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) February 25, 2026
Read more here: https://t.co/CzXjriSIAM#WitbankNews #emalahleni #Siyanqoba #Protest pic.twitter.com/e1KXnHwru6
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