VIDEO AND GALLERY: Residents say they want jobs

The strike, which was dominated by the youth, comes after more than 20 people were appointed to work on a project which they believe is part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The residents said they feel undermined because people from other places were hired to come pick litter in their streets while they sit at home.

“Local people are unemployed while they hire people who do not even reside in our area.

Recently there was a project in ward 19 and when we approached them for jobs we were told to go to ward 17.

We have consulted with our ward councillor but she is not helping,” said Nicholas Mashimbye who spoke on behalf of the striking residents.

They said the councillor told them she was not informed on the hiring of the new people.

When contacted, ward 17 councillor Doreen Mhlarhi said councillors are not involved in selection process of workers who were hired after submitting their CV’s.

“There are officials who are responsible for doing that,” she said.

Greater Tzaneen spokesperson, Neville Ndlala said it was not an EPWP project.

“We appointed a contractor and that contractor is the one responsible for hiring their own people,” he said. It is alleged that corruption in the hiring process is the main factor why most of them are unemployed.

“They hire their girlfriends and relatives, nepotism is very much alive here.

If you are a woman and you want a job, then it means you must sleep your way to the top,” said one angry resident who wished to remain anonymous.

A team leader whom they only identified as a Mr Shimusa is said to have told the striking residents that they are stupid and that is the reason they will not get jobs.

“We don’t want them anymore, they must give the jobs to the rightful people, 60% of the people should from ward 17.

Their supervisor is corrupt, he hired his wife and brother-in law,” said the angry residents. By the time of going to press the striking residents were waiting for a response from GTM.