‘We want jobs or else’
‘WE demand jobs or else we will destroy everything!’
Threats to ‘block’ the ongoing road construction upgrade on the eSikhaleni intersection flew from angry residents during community protest action on Monday morning.
Residents believe they are being overlooked during the employment process of the workforce to work on the upgrades and ‘their’ jobs were offered to outsiders.
Not only did they take their grievances to the streets but demanded locals be employed.
‘We can’t have people from outside working in our area, while we are hungry and can’t feed our children. We demand they employ 80% local people,’ said community leader and secretary of the Gelekone Movement, Chico Langa.
Even though the protest was peaceful, protesters gave the construction company, Leomat, four days to rectify the situation and threatened to ‘burn’ everything if their demands are not met by Friday.
‘No one will enter or leave their premises if they don’t take us seriously and give us jobs.
‘Enough is enough. Locals should be first in line for any development. This community has many unemployed youth who are looking for opportunities,’ said Langa.
Protestors, mainly the unemployed youth, not only voiced their disgruntlement at what they called ‘lack of job opportunities’ in the area but demanded for all general workers to be offered R30 per hour.
A detailed memorandum with residents’ grievances was handed over to Leomat management.
The document was received by the company’s Community Liaison Officer, Dumisani Mthembu and safety officer, Dolo Hlatshwayo on behalf of the project manager.
In his response, Hlatshwayo said the construction team has only 15 members and eleven are locals.
He said more people will be employed as the project progresses.
‘Our workforce is from this area and 90% of this team is from here. The message was communicated to their ward councillors, however, the matter will be discussed by top management and a report will be issued,’ he said.