DA is ‘attacking’ Joburg’s jobless
AFTER NEW MAYOR SCRAPS JOZI@WORK DA calls it a patronage project, but ANC says it was a boon for the unemployed.
The cancellation of the Jozi@Work programme by DA Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba is a direct attack on thousands of unemployed residents, the ANC says.
Mashaba cancelled the city’s programme this week, calling it a patronage project. It was launched in 2014 by former mayor Parks Tau to create opportunities for residents to partner with the city to deliver some municipal services in their own neighbourhoods. ANC Johannesburg regional spokesperson Jolidee Matongo said Jozi@Work had been approved by council as a ground-breaking programme. “Through this programme the city created thousands of jobs for the unemployed residents of Johannesburg.”
Matongo said the appointment of Capacity Support Agents and participating cooperatives in the programme was transparent.
“No evidence was presented to us to prove that community members were required to produce ANC membership cards before admission to the programme.
“It is therefore irresponsible for Mr Mashaba to say that the Jozi@ Work programme was meant for ANC card-carrying members.”
“Through Jozi@Work, the ANC government put over R3 billion aside for the benefit of cooperatives and local companies.
“The move by Mr Mashaba will inevitably take away this money from the poor and unemployed residents of Johannesburg who had found work in the programme.”
Khume Ramulifho, DA Johannesburg region chairperson, said yesterday the programme was designed to benefit tenderpreneurs.
“Many young people raised concerns about this programme as it only benefitted a few people connected to the ANC,” Ramulifho said.
“The DA expects to see more people benefitting from all city programmes.”
Ramulifho said ANC politicians are concerned as the crony network system is becoming history in the DA-led administration. –