‘Our demand is simple, we want these companies to create more opportunities for the youth’ – Mthethwa
MIDDELBURG – Unemployment remains a pressing issue countrywide.
Substance abuse, crime, and increasing gender-based violence, particularly among unemployed graduates, are some of the devastating impacts unemployment has on communities.
The residents of Hlalamnandi and Nazareth in Middelburg, led by the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), held a community gathering on January 27, 2025 to highlight the urgent issue of unemployment.
The gathering culminated in a mandate given to SANCO representatives to present a memorandum of demands to nearby companies, SGS and Barloworld, urging them to play an active role in the fight against joblessness.
The memorandum outlined key concerns, including youth unemployment, lack of learnership opportunities, limited internships, and the need for local businesses to invest in the community through corporate social investment (CSI).
Thulani Mthethwa, a community leader, emphasised that the aim was to ensure that Steve Tshwete residents benefit from companies operating in the municipality, such as SGS and Barloworld. “Our demand is simple, we want these companies to create more opportunities for the youth,” Mthethwa said.
He added that the community has given the companies seven days to respond to the demands, after which a follow-up meeting will take place. “If there’s no response within seven days, we will escalate the issue with a more strategic approach,” he said.
Mthethwa also called on both government officials and the local municipality to unite in pressuring private companies to prioritise the local workforce, with 90% of jobs given to Steve Tshwete residents and 10% allocated to people from outside.
