EPWP Workers Rally Outside Joburg Mayor’s Office for Fair Employment Opportunities

Casual Workers Protest Outside Johannesburg Mayor’s Office, Demand Jobs and Accountability

On Tuesday, around 200 casual workers with Johannesburg’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) staged a protest outside Mayor Dada Morero’s office. Employed by the waste management company Pikitup, these workers called for permanent jobs and transparency in the city’s recruitment processes. They believe recent hires were selected unfairly, favoring officials’ friends and family over experienced casual workers.

Protesters Call for Fair Employment Opportunities

The protestors expressed deep frustration, claiming that none of the 300 workers hired earlier this year came from their ranks. Enos Maake, a protest leader, alleged that officials gave jobs to friends and family instead. “These individuals being hired on a permanent basis are friends and relatives of the officials in Pikitup. That’s why we want an investigation and a report on the findings,” Maake stated.

Long-Time Casual Workers Overlooked

Carol Dladla, who works at the Marlboro Depot, felt her years of experience went unrecognized. “How can they hire people who don’t have the experience?” she asked. Dladla said her depot has 36 casual workers, none of whom received permanent positions despite repeated promises. She believes connections, not merit, decided who got hired.

The Financial Struggles of Casual Workers

Lungile Fayisa, who has worked at the Selby Depot since 2021, shared his struggles as a casual worker. He earns R120 per day, or about R2,400 per month, working 20 days. “Luckily, I walk to work. I don’t have to pay for transport, and my wife also helps with rent,” Fayisa said. To afford groceries, he often works additional shifts at a shop. His story illustrates the financial insecurity casual workers face without stable employment.

Demands Presented to the Mayor’s Office

The group’s list of demands was received by Phumzile Sithole from the mayor’s office. Sithole declined to comment but assured workers they would receive feedback by Friday.

Chris Vondo, the mayor’s spokesperson, had not responded to media inquiries by the time of publication. Workers and their supporters are now waiting for an official statement.

A Call for Transparency and Fairness

The protest highlights the struggles casual workers face when overlooked for permanent positions. They call on city leaders to ensure fair hiring practices, investigate alleged favoritism, and honor promises of job security. For these EPWP workers, the goal is simple: a fair chance at stable employment that reflects their experience and dedication.