In a bold demonstration of frustration and determination, hundreds of Soweto residents took to the streets this morning, marching to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero’s office. The purpose of their march was clear: they are demanding employment opportunities for local South Africans, particularly in the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
This march follows a controversial proposal by Mayor Dada Morero, suggesting the employment of foreigners as traffic officers within the JMPD. The proposal sparked outrage among local residents who are grappling with high unemployment rates. Morero has since apologized for his remarks, but the residents are not satisfied. They see the proposal as a sign that job openings do exist within the JMPD, and they are determined to ensure those jobs go to South Africans.
Handing Over CVs as a Form of Protest
The march was not just a show of numbers but also a practical step by the residents. Many of them carried copies of their CVs, which they plan to hand over to Mayor Morero’s office. “We are here to show that we are ready and willing to work,” said one of the marchers. “If there are job openings in JMPD, they should be given to South Africans first. We are tired of being sidelined.”
Nqobile Madlala, a Soweto resident participating in the march, expressed her frustration to our reporter. “We are against the proposal to hire foreigners while so many South Africans are sitting at home without jobs,” she said. “The Mayor’s comments were a slap in the face to all of us who have been struggling to find work.”
Madlala’s sentiments are echoed by many others in the community who feel that the Mayor’s apology is too little, too late. “We appreciate that he apologized, but words are not enough,” said another resident. “We need action. We need jobs. We are tired of politicians making decisions without considering the people who put them in office.”
Read More: A Controversial Move: Joburg Mayor Proposes Foreign Nationals Serve as JMPD Officers
A Growing Unrest Over Joblessness
The march comes amidst growing unrest in Johannesburg and across South Africa, where unemployment remains a significant issue. The latest statistics show that the unemployment rate in South Africa is hovering around 33%, with youth unemployment even higher. In areas like Soweto, the reality of joblessness is stark, with many families relying on social grants and informal trading to make ends meet.
“We are not against foreigners; we are against the lack of jobs,” Madlala added. “The government needs to prioritize South Africans for these positions. It’s as simple as that.”
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The Mayor’s Proposal and Apology
Mayor Dada Morero’s proposal to employ foreigners as traffic officers was initially intended to address a perceived skills gap within the JMPD. However, it quickly became clear that the proposal was out of touch with the frustrations of local residents. The backlash was swift, leading to a formal apology from Morero.
“I apologize for any offense caused by my comments,” Morero said in a statement released yesterday. “It was not my intention to suggest that South Africans are not capable or willing to work in these positions. I am committed to addressing unemployment in Johannesburg and ensuring that job opportunities are made available to our residents.”
Despite the apology, residents remain skeptical. “We have heard apologies before,” said one marcher. “What we need now is a commitment to employ South Africans. We need to see real changes, not just words.”
The Way Forward: A Call for Dialogue
The residents marching today are calling for an immediate meeting with Mayor Morero to discuss employment opportunities and other pressing issues facing their community. They are also urging the Mayor and other government officials to consider local hiring policies that prioritize South Africans.
“Today is just the beginning,” said Madlala. “If the Mayor does not meet with us and take our concerns seriously, we will continue to protest. We will continue to march. We are not going to stop until we see change.”
A Community United for Jobs
The march in Soweto today was a powerful display of community solidarity and a demand for action. As the residents continue their march to the Mayor’s office, they hope their message is heard loud and clear: South Africans need jobs, and they are willing to fight for them.
For now, the ball is in Mayor Morero’s court. The residents have made their demands clear, and the city waits to see how the Mayor will respond.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Source: Newzroom Afrika