Langa protesters slam hiring policy

RESIDENTS have continued protesting over what they say are unfair hiring practices at the new R60 million Langa Junction Mall.

Langa ward councillor Neliswa Ngqose, at the centre of nepotism accusations, was unavailable for comment this week, apparently because she is in hospital. There have been calls for Ngqose, chairwoman of the project steering commit- tee for the mall to step down, and for the mall to revise its hiring practices.

“This mall was meant to benefit people of Langa, but most of the employees are not from here. We will continue this protest,” said Sihle Tshabalala, a Langa resident who also sat on the committee.

The first protest took place last week, with much of the anger directed at Ngqose.

On Thursday, residents called for the temporary clo- sure of anchor tenant Shoprite, and the immediate removal of the committee.

Protesters claimed employees of Shoprite had used addresses from friends and family in Langa to secure employment at the mall. Protesters want the store to determine whether employees are indeed Langa residents.

Protesters also accused Ngqose of allowing family and friends to benefit from the mall’s construction. – ANA