MORE than 200 temporary workers whose contracts are coming to an end next month protested and demanded permanent jobs yesterday.
But the workers from Ekurhuleni, contracted to the Lungile Mtshali Community Development Project, did not protest at their municipality. They went straight to Luthuli House.
Their contracts began last year and expire in August.
A delegation of five workers held talks with the ANC top brass while the group picketed outside wielding signs that read: “No permanent jobs, no vote!” and “We want permanent jobs!”
Zakhele Maseko (59) from Daveyton said they were promised permanent posts but had yet to be offered permanent contracts.
Maseko said: “They must follow protocol. The law states that we must be made permanent employees after three months. They told us that we’re being moulded to be entrepreneurs but that’s not what we want. The manifesto talks about permanent jobs, that is why we are here. We met with three different MMCs and nothing was done.
“We even came to Luthuli House two weeks ago and they promised to help us.”
One of the workers’ representatives, Sizwe Ziyeka told Daily Sun that ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe informed them that Luthuli House only dealt with organisational matters.
Ekurhuleni mayoral spokesman Zweli Dlamini said the city had taken processes to handle the workers’ grievances.
“The municipality has processes and laws. We need to check within these confines whether we can hire anyone permanently.
“Lungile Mtshali is a project that gives the unemployed an opportunity to put food on the table. It is meant to rotate to give everyone a chance. We will meet with their leadership to discuss a way forward.”
