Matholesville employment opportunities brought into the spotlight

Allegations of one-sided employment have been made following the construction of a multipurpose centre in which only people from the ANC have been employed.

The centre was established in 2016 and according to and according to resident Michael Chalimans, Ext 2 and 4 residents are experiencing severe unemployment when job opportunities such as the establishment of the multipurpose centre are available within the area – the community would be able to benefit, but sadly have not.

Residents state that the ANC – who oversees the ward – have allegedly employed their own people and not people from the community.

Residents spoke to the community liaison officer to enquire about the criteria for job opportunities and were told that there is a database which captures people seeking employment.

According to one such resident, Susan Mabathat, two people from the same household were employed while other households did not have a breadwinner.

“The section where the councillor [Keke Thabane] stays employs only their people,” Chalimans said and continued to say that they need fairness across the sphere, meaning that each section should be employed.

According to Siyabonga Masiza from the ANC constituency office, the project was designed and implemented by the community – for which there was a meeting, and the Community Liaison Officer was introduced to the community. He said that the project is above board and that the contractor would normally advertise employment opportunities.

The selection of labourers involves people within the ward and have stated that all protocol was followed during this process.

Tabane was unavailable for comment at the time of this publication.