10 Duduza protesters nabbed for violence and theft
TEN protesters have been arrested for public violence after enraged Duduza community in Ekurhuleni yesterday took to the streets to protest against what they termed an unfair hiring policy at Gibela railway company in Nigel.
They blockaded the roads with burning tyres, vandalised traffic lights and prevented pupils from attending schools in the area.
The community alleged that Gibela had reneged on its promise to hire local residents ahead of the foreign nationals.
They further claimed that the company also failed to give the locals education opportunities through a bursary scheme as promised.
The South African Police Services confirmed yesterday that 10 people had been arrested for public violence and stolen property.
Puleng Ndaba, a community member, said he has been unemployed since 2002 and that he was angry with the alleged empty promises Gibela allegedly made to the community.
Ndaba lives with six children in a rented backroom and supports them from their monthly social grants.
He also has to pay R500 towards rent from the monthly total income of R1 450.
“I feel bad about the promises Gibela made to us. We heard from residents of Duduza who were initially on contracts, and somehow stayed with Gibela, that the company is hiring people outside Duduza and even outside South Africa,” Ndaba said.
“What hurts us the most is that our own people are made to train the foreigners for the jobs that were promised to them.”
Simphiwe Motaung, a 16-yearold matriculant, is at home and can’t further her university studies due to lack of funding. She has been waiting in vain for the bursary allegedly promised to her by the company. Motaung matriculated with university entry to specialise in science.
“Gibela promised us bursaries and jobs but we still have not heard from them, instead they hire foreign nationals. I think there is no way that we will be given the jobs by this company. It is a sad situation for us,” said Motaung.
However, Thandiwe Rantletse, a 15-year-old High School student, said the protest yesterday prevented her to attend important lessons.
“I wish I could have gone to school today [yesterday] to continue with my studies. I have missed big time today ... I think the violence looks bad on our community,” said Rantletse.
Gibela yesterday dismissed the allegations by the community.
Pam Radebe, the company’s communications director, said they had a contractual obligations with Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to hire historically disadvantaged South Africans through their recruitment programme.
“Last week we launched the first phase of recruitment of fulltime operators and artisans for the manufacturing facility and for trainees for the training centre,” Radebe said.
“In respect of that, historically disadvantaged South Africans, especially Ekurhuleni residents, are being prioritised.”
“I feel bad about the promises Gibela made to us