Joburg South residents protest over unemployment concerns

Tensions over jobs escalated in Johannesburg South on Monday, where a local youth group issued a seven-day ultimatum to businesses, accusing them of hiring undocumented foreign nationals at the expense of South Africans.

The Concerned Citizens Youth Desk staged a picket outside a textile factory, alleging that employers are exploiting undocumented workers while local residents remain excluded from job opportunities.

Gates at a newly built shopping complex near hina Mall remained shut, as frustrated residents accused businesses of what they describe as unfair and exploitative labour practices.

Secretary General of the Concerned Citizens of South Africa, Scebiso Masondo, said commitments made after previous marches have not been honoured, adding that employers were aware their actions were unlawful.

“The reason for them to close gates so that we cannot enter is because they know that what they are doing is very wrong. And there are politicians that have sold our people out. They came here, they pretended to help them, but they took monies and then they left,” he said.

The group plans to extend its protests to nearby retail hubs, including China Mall, where it alleges similar hiring practices.

Meanwhile, businesses in the area are being warned to expect continued disruptions, with the group vowing to return daily until employers engage with their demands.

Protesters also accused companies of refusing to accept a memorandum despite being given prior notice of the march.

Masondo further claimed that businesses are prioritising private security over local employment, alleging that more than 3,000 undocumented foreign nationals are working at the site.

“The money that they are going to lose today is the money that they are going to lose every day this week. We are prepared to come here every day until they meet us. So these people, they decided to close business because they don’t want to go to the table with us,”

Frustration among protesters intensified following earlier engagements which, protesters say, failed to result in promised job opportunities.

The group said it will continue to apply pressure until businesses agree to engage and address their concerns.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe