Youth Demand Jobs in Nigel Factory March

Hundreds Protest Unemployment, Urge Local Hiring

Approximately 300 residents from several Ekurhuleni communities marched to a Chinese-owned steel company in Nigel on Friday, demanding job opportunities for unemployed local youth.

Unfulfilled Promises Spark Protest

Organized by the Greater Nigel United People’s Parliament (GRNUPP) and community forums from Kwa-Thema, Tsakane, and Duduza, the demonstration targeted Chung Fung Metal & Steel Company. Protesters voiced frustration over a two-year wait for the company to address their employment demands.

Recent job advertisements requiring extensive experience were cited as a major grievance, alienating many young job seekers in the area. Marchers accused the company of prioritizing external hires over local residents.

Memorandum Delivered, Response Awaited

The demonstrators submitted a memorandum outlining concerns about high poverty rates, economic inequality, and the impact of private company disinvestment on local employment. They seek a dialogue with the company to discuss these pressing issues.

Company representatives accepted the memorandum and were given one week to respond to the community’s demands.

“The company needs to make adjustments to its job requirements to cater for unskilled youths and to provide skills training as promised. To date it has not shown any interest in providing jobs to young people.”

—Sphiwe Mabanga, Tsakane resident

The unemployment crisis is a significant challenge, with the national youth unemployment rate standing at approximately 59.1% as of the first quarter of 2024, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA, 2024).

Voices of the Unemployed

Many young people expressed their struggles in finding work after completing their education. Zweli Gule, who has been seeking employment since matriculating, shared his experience of submitting numerous applications without securing an interview.

“Many young people like me are struggling to find jobs. Our march today is a silent call for help, for companies to hear us and give us jobs.”

—Zweli Gule, Dunnottar resident

The company has been approached for comment, and its response will be published upon receipt.