Sowetans have voiced their frustration over unemployment figures and demanded that they should be prioritised when opportunities become available.
The youth and unemployed met at Thokoza Park on Wednesday, August 28 for a march to the City of Johannesburg Mayor’s office in Braamfontein to hand over their CVs and memorandum of demands.
The movement was evoked by the mayor’s statement where he suggested that foreign nationals should be hired in the JMPD so they can help bridge the language barrier.
ALSO READ: Joburg Mayor appoints new Human Settlements MMC
Executive Mayor Dada Morero has since apologised and withdrew his suggestion which was widely criticised.
@sowetourbannews Thabang Moloi talks about the march to the Mayor’s office by Soweto youth to demand jobs. @President Thabang Moloi @Kutlwano Mosiapoa #sowetourbannews #soweto #unemployment
Thabang Moloi, a Soweto community leader and one of the organisers of the march, said this was a peaceful movement aimed at helping the youth and the unemployed..
He said it was also aimed at reminding the mayor that there is still work that needs to be done in terms of youth unemployment in South Africa.
Kim Baloyi, another organising member of the movement, said this hit home as she also has been unemployed for five years and being the sole provider for her family has led to depression.
Among the group that went to submit their CVs was Gontse Molaolwe, who said, “This is very disheartening, especially for a young lady who has a tertiary qualification but is struggling to get a job.”
ALSO READ: Mayor of Joburg encourages first time voters to make their mark
Unemployed Sowetans submitted their CVs to the Chief of Staff as the mayor was not available. They also delivered their list of demands and asked for a response in 14 days.
The Chief of Staff also apologised on behalf of Morero and promised that his office would respond to the memorandum before the 14 days.
