JOBURG mayor Clr Herman Mashaba held a constructive meeting with representatives of contract workers employed by Pikitup, including former Jozi@Work and EPWP beneficiaries, on March 6.
The meeting was called in order to discuss the alleged non-payment of contracts following the end of the Jozi@Work programme.
It also addressed the possibility of creating full employment opportunities for the former temporary contract workers who were part of the programme.
“Under the previous administration, the Jozi@Work programme was used to benefit only those who had close political ties to the ANC elite – denying many of our residents of fair employment opportunities,” Mashaba said. “Neither service delivery nor work opportunities were the priority. Enriching middle-men and labour brokers appeared to be the key driver of this programme.
“Pikitup phased out the programme at the end of December 2017, when most of the temporary contracts came to an end,” the mayor explained. “During our engagement, I was made aware that the management and payment of these former Jozi@Work temporary workers was done through a number of third-party service providers.”
Mashaba said he has instructed Pikitup to engage with these service providers and ensure that the matter of non-payment is resolved immediately. He also welcomed any suggestions not only for further capacitating the entity but also for providing better quality services to residents.
“Given the crucial nature and ongoing need for the service, I have instructed Pikitup to investigate the feasibility of providing full employment opportunities to some of the workers involved with the programme. I have instructed Pikitup to provide me with their feasibility study by the end of the month. Crucial to our approach will be finding a means of offering these former temporary workers with the dignity of stable employment and fair play.”
The feasibility of creating this employment will be subject to the operational needs of Pikitup while guaranteeing the financial sustainability of the entity.
As part of the implementation process, preference will be given to verified Jozi@Work and EPWP contract workers subject to a recruitment process and assessments for applicants.
The mayor thanked Jozi@Work representatives for working with the city as they seek to create fair work opportunities for all residents.
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