Give us jobs, say artisans

Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - On Wednesday, 4 November, a group of more than 20 local artisans picketed at Quay 4 in Mossel Bay, stating that they believe they are skilled enough to be considered for local employment.

One of the protestors interviewed said locals were unhappy that people from outside of Mossel Bay were being considered for and being employed in jobs they believed locals were capable of doing.

In a statement following the picketing, Cameron Dugmore, the ANC member of the provincial legislature (MPL) deployed to Mossel Bay shared his concerns regarding employment issues after a provincial legislature standing committee visit to the Total E&P drilling venture at the Port of Mossel Bay.

"We are concerned about not being able to establish how many of the 195 South Africans employed in the current phase of the Total partnership drilling venture off Mossel Bay, are actually from Mossel Bay. It is critical that South Africans in general and Mossel Bay locals in particular are also employed during this phase."

Dugmore said that local labour forums say they have databases of over 3 000 skilled artisans, but that they have not yet been able to meet members of the Total partnership.

Watch a video below:

"It is critical that this incredibly exciting project builds very strong partnerships with local community and labour forums so that there is full ownership and support from the outset. Should the exploration phase lead to full production, there will be thousands more opportunities not only for workers but also small and medium businesses. We will be asking for a direct engagement between the Total partnership of SA (TEPSA) and the three local labour forums. Inclusive growth is critical to the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan announced by President Ramaphosa."

The Mossel Bay Advertiser directed a media enquiry to Total and is awaiting comment.

These local artisans feel they should be first in line for local jobs. Photo: Jannie du Plessis