Kwa-Thema – More than 50 young individuals gathered at the Kwa-Thema Family Skills Centre on March 24 following the circulation of a voice note alleging the availability of a CV drive with possible employment opportunities at the centre.
The voice note is believed to have been widely shared through WhatsApp groups among community members in Kwatsaduza, Springs, and surrounding areas.
It is alleged that the message originated from an individual claiming to be an employee at the centre.
According to the voice note, job opportunities were available, and interested individuals were instructed to bring their CVs and supporting documentation to the Social Workers Department at the centre.
The message also claimed that representatives from the Department of Labour, along with various employment agencies, would be present at the venue.
Young people demand answers for not receiving jobs. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
These entities were reportedly expected to assist attendees with employment placement opportunities and to provide guidance on completing legal and official documentation.
However, the authenticity of the voice note and the legitimacy of the alleged opportunities remain unconfirmed at this stage.
One of the individuals outside the centre, Sinikeziwe Mpepanduku (26), said many individuals arrived to form a line outside the centre.
“Every year, something like this happens here, where we are given false hope and expectations.“We come out in numbers, apply, but never get feedback.
“Right now, we are furious and demand answers because there is an individual who toys with our emotions,” he said.
The street was barricaded to prevent movement. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“The first red flag was that when we arrived, we saw that the Department of Labour was not available.
“I am very disappointed because it feels as if nobody cares about us, which is why we decided to burn tyres at the gate. We are angry.”
Naledi Milanzi (18) explained that some people come from far, saying many even walk to the centre.
“I arrived at 10:00, but it was already packed when I got here. As a young person, fresh out of high school, this is disappointing,” she said.
She explained that she is a resident at Mkhancwa, a long-standing informal settlement located next to a railway line near the N17 road near Brakpan.
Milanzi emphasised that she is currently unemployed and was unable to further her studies this year due to various constraints.
Tyres were lit in the middle of the road. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“I am sitting at home doing nothing and when I heard about the CV drive yesterday, I was convinced it would change my situation.
“I am beyond shattered by what is happening here. Others have already turned back home. The voice note was supposed to clearly specify what was required,” she added.
Ward 74 Clr Thulane Simelane has confirmed that the circulating voice note was sent by an individual known at the centre, but who is not an employee.
He explained that the individual approached the Department of Labour to organise the event without informing the relevant authorities.
“I was also not informed of the programme. The chief social worker and the social work supervisor were also not told.
“Someone from the Department of Labour did come to the centre, but the intention was not to provide immediate jobs to young people. Instead, it was to register them onto the department’s database for future employment opportunities.
“This miscommunication led to the outrage and the burning of tyres by young people,” explained Simelane.
The street was barricaded to prevent movement. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Young people demand jobs. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
He added that a meeting is being planned where all Kwa-Thema ward councillors will come together to organise a proper intervention.
“We will sit down and coordinate an event that will genuinely assist unemployed individuals.
“We will also engage different departments and stakeholders to create a meaningful programme,” he said.
Simelane issued an apology on behalf of both the centre manager and the individual responsible for the confusion.
“I sincerely apologise for this misunderstanding and will, in future, ensure that there are proper communication channels when inviting people to such events,” he added.
The Kwa-Thema Skills Centre managers declined to comment and referred the African Reporter to the City of Ekurhuleni. The municipality had not responded at the time of publication.
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