Residents of Gauteng’s townships want Premier Panyaza Lesufi to prioritise job creation.
Lesufi was scheduled to deliver his first State of the Province Address in Katlehong on Thursday and residents who spoke to Newsnote ahead of the speech singled out job creation and fighting crime by among others reining in immigration which some believe is out of control and fuels lawlessness.
Lesufi leads a minority government after talks with the Democratic Alliance collapsed which were meant to replicate the central coalition government which has come to be known as the Government of National Unity with the ANC and the DA as the largest and second biggest parties respectively.
“I need a better job, yes I appreciate my current employment but this is a short project ( roadwork in Cosmo City, North of Johannesburg). This is not my first contract job but I want to get something better. I want to further my studies and I am really hoping I can get an opportunity in police or correctional services,” said a man working on road project.
Another man working on the same project said he was concerned about time because he fears he might be excluded if he reaches 35.
“After 35 you are useless in this country, you get nothing so it bothers me that I am 27 now and have not had a real job. I hope the premier really comes up with a plan for us,” he said.
A woman who had just returned from a job hunting exercise said the Premier should continue with the Nasi spane programme. “It must go on cause it was really helpful for many of us. I was in a contract and although its finished it helped me and I am grateful for that so it must go on so more people can be hired,” she said.
“We need jobs. We are loitering around here in Cosmo ( Cosmo City) and not being hired,” said a man who says he’s in his 30s and moved from Limpopo to pursue a better life in Gauteng.
Gauteng is the most populated province with an estimated 16 million people living in the metros and surrounding townships which includes informal settlements. Other than people from outside South Africa, there’s an influx from far flung provinces into Gauteng as people seek opportunities.
Residents believe illegal migration contributes to a high crime rate and want the premier to do something about it. This is despite Newsnote trying to bring it to their attention that immigration is actually a national competency.
“It’s the same government, the police are everywhere and there’s home affairs offices in most of the towns. The premier must push them to work because this thing has gotten out of hand. We can’t move around freely, they steel they’re violent and now taking our jobs,” said a woman also admitting there are many aliens who earn and honest living.
“Nothing works anymore. These people are everywhere and are coming in their numbers. I know it’s difficult in their countries but we are also lacking many things and we can’t be expected to take care of everyone,” said a man who believes the security company he works for pay low salaries because it relies on vulnerable immigrants.