A planned march aimed at highlighting unemployment and advocating for greater employment opportunities for South African citizens in Phoenix did not go ahead on Wednesday due to a poor turnout.
The march was scheduled to start at Gandhi Park and proceed to Phoenix Plaza. However, with attendance too low for the procession to take place, organisers instead used the gathering to register unemployed residents seeking work.
Dozens of unemployed people attended, with their details captured as part of an initiative to establish a database of job seekers from Phoenix and surrounding areas.
Logan Reddy of the RAW Neighbourhood Watch said the organisation became involved after being approached by Bishop Timothy Bheki Ngcobo of the MK Labour Desk.
“We were contacted by Bishop Ngcobo to be part of this programme and try to establish contact with Phoenix residents. The aim is to establish a database of unemployed South African citizens in Phoenix who can fill positions previously occupied by illegal foreign nationals at various workplaces. We want to create a database in each area so that South Africans can be considered for employment opportunities in their respective fields,” said Reddy.
Ward 49 councillor Tino Pillay said a notice had been circulated on Tuesday, 30 June, indicating that a march would take place from Gandhi Park to Phoenix Plaza, but the relevant authorities had not been formally notified.
“Upon communication with SAPS and Metro Police, they confirmed that they had not been formally informed about the march. While CPF structures indicated they had been made aware of it, no formal application had been submitted. This is a concern because any protest or peaceful march must comply with the required bylaws and approval processes,” said Pillay.
He added that he had spoken to a liaison officer from the MK Party, who indicated that the decision on whether the march would proceed depended on the number of participants.
“Every organisation has the right to march and voice its views and concerns, but due process must be followed,” he said.
Bishop Timothy Bheki Ngcobo of the MK Labour Desk said the initiative was focused on tackling unemployment while ensuring businesses remained sustainable.
“We are here because, as a labour movement, while dealing with the issue of illegal foreigners, we also need to ensure that businesses remain sustainable and continue operating. Our aim is to place South Africans into positions previously occupied by illegal foreign nationals. We are compiling a database of unemployed people from Phoenix and surrounding areas and have requested the assistance of a business forum to help facilitate employment opportunities. We also want to ensure that those who are employed receive at least the minimum wage,” he said.
