More than 600 young job seekers gathered at the Civic Centre on 17 July to submit their CVs, all hoping to secure one of just 28 available positions at the new Shoprite store, set to open in Lenasia South on 5 August. A total of 625 CVs were received – a powerful reflection of the deep unemployment crisis affecting the community.
Ward 120 Councillor Puseletso Nzimande confirmed the turnout and expressed the importance of prioritising local employment.“We requested that Shoprite hire only from within our ward. Most of our youth are unemployed, and this opportunity must benefit our own community, not people from outside,” she told GLOBE POST.
Cllr Nzimande added that all CVs were collected and recorded to ensure transparency and accountability. “We gathered this data to make sure Shoprite considers the diversity of our ward and to prevent outside hires. This is about fairness and representation.”
While not all applicants will be hired, the initiative marks a step forward in the fight against youth unemployment in the ward. For many, the job drive has brought a glimmer of hope – but also highlighted the desperate need for more job opportunities.
