Phillipi residents demanding MyCiti jobs torch and stone vehicles
Phillipi residents blocked roads with rocks and burning tires, demanding MyCiti jobs.
FILE: Job seekers wait on the side of a road holding placards showing their specialisation in Johannesburg, South Africa. Picture: MUJAHID SAFODIEN /AFP
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GroundUp reports that roads were blocked in Philippi on Friday morning by people demanding jobs on the MyCiti bus project along Govan Mbeki Road.
The road was blocked with rocks and burning tyres, and a car was set alight in front of the municipal sub-council offices. A contractor’s vehicle and a Golden Arrow bus were stoned.
Police responded and ensured the road was reopened, said SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi.
The protesters, who live in Ramaphosa informal settlement, want jobs on the project and argue that the City-appointed contractors should be hiring local people.
Two weeks ago, protesters handed a memorandum of demands to the City of Cape Town.
They then marched to the sub-council offices, demanding a response to their grievances before deciding to block roads on Friday, having received no official response.
The City has obtained a court interdict against the Philippi and Crossroads business forums and two individuals, to prevent any attempt to intimidate officials and workers at the construction site. This was after death threats were received, the City said.
Philippi Business Forum secretary Thanduxolo Xokoza said the forum was not involved in Friday’s protest.
Protest leader Themba Xola said, “We have been talking with the City and the contractor for a long time, and it is clear the only language they understand is disruption, so we are disrupting the continuation of the project.”
Mayco member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas told GroundUp that the City does not prevent anyone from participating in the MyCiti project.
He said there were lawful and transparent processes available to local businesses and residents from the affected wards to apply for the available opportunities that form part of the construction project.
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He encouraged residents and local businesses to register on the City’s job database, but emphasised that “the fact that you have registered does not mean you will definitely receive an opportunity”.
“The City will not accede to any demands for the project work to be halted, as this will result in standing time costs for the City. The City is contractually obligated to continue with the works. We request all community members to be patient, allow the contractor to proceed, and follow the protocols.”
- Rob Quintas, Urban Mobility - City of Cape Town
We request all community members to be patient, allow the contractor to proceed, and to follow the protocols.” - Rob Quintas, Mayco member for Urban Mobility
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