LIMPOPO – Residents showed up in their masses on Monday after they were told the mine will employ residents.
Chairperson of the Mogalakwena Task Team (MTT), Matsobane Masenya, told Bosveld a rumour allegedly originated from the labour desk of the mine, which stated the mine was hiring.
The fake news circulated in the community and on social media for the past two weeks.
“Thousands of young job seekers, not only from our community but other provinces as well, arrived in the early hours of the morning and expected their promised employment.”
Masenya said some people also paid an amount of R50 to ensure that their CVs would be submitted. He explained residents were hopeful as most were hit hard by the lockdown regulations, which left them with no income.
“Some residents used their last money for transport to get here, while others walked hundreds of kilometres with the hope to get a job and keep food on the table for their families.”
He added that these residents were already struggling, just to be turned away again.
Masenya said for the past two weeks, even with the knowledge of the rumour doing the rounds, the mine did not attempt to communicate with the community to inform them that it was not true.
“We as the MTT are extremely disappointed with the mine and their social commitment to the surrounding community.” He said the organisation met on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the way forward.
“We cannot allow these things to happen in our community.”
Masenya added they have demanded that the mine should employ at least 70% of the local residents before they source employees from other provinces.
“We understand if they require a person with specialised experience. Therefore we suggest that they employ 70% locally and the remainder can be employed from other provinces to acquire their needed experience. Our people are struggling with unemployment, why not look after our people first?” he added.
Anglo American platinum released a statement shortly after the gathering which stated residents must be cautious of fake Facebook posts that indicate there are job opportunities available at Anglo American Platinum labour desk.
All Anglo American Platinum vacancies are advertised on www.anglo-american.com and the labour desk is also used to advertise and receive applications for contractor opportunities.
As of today there are no job opportunities at the Anglo American Platinum labour desk.
“The community is requested to stay vigilant as Anglo American Platinum will never ask anyone to pay for a job or share personal details such as proof of residence. The mining company asks members of the community to help fight fraudsters,” read the statement.
