Martin in sleep-in threat
Taking a stand against youth unemployment in Port Elizabeth’s northern areas by threatening a sleep-in at a social security branch late on Tuesday, Eastern Cape MPL Christian Martin and two Khoi-San chiefs secured jobs for four locals and the potential re-employment of a fifth.
Dozens of CV-bearing youths had occupied the SA Social Security Agency offices at the Cleary Park Shopping Centre from about 4pm.
The youths, along with Martin, house of Nama chief Vernon Henning and House of Korana chief Crawford Fraser, were reacting to what they described as a new staff complement at the branch which in no way reflected the demographics of the northern areas.
In addition, one former Sassa employee at the branch – a northern areas resident, who asked not to be named – apparently lost his position when the SA Post Office began to take over the functions of the branch.
Martin had on Tuesday lobbied provincial leadership and high-ranking social security officials to address high youth unemployment in the area.
He threatened to stage a sleep-in at the offices until the concerns were addressed.
By about 5.30pm, a delegation of Sassa officials, led by Eastern Cape regional executive manager Bandile Maqetuka, had arrived and set about addressing the situation.
“I am going to break the budget at short notice and make four positions available,” Maqetuka said.
“[They] will fall under the Expanded Public Works Programme.”
He said Sassa would focus on drawing employees from local communities going forward and would also review the case of the former Sassa employee.
“We are pleased with this outcome,” Martin said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
FREE TO READ | Just register if you’re new, or sign in.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@heraldlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.