The Reaga Community Project convened a media briefing today to address the outcomes of a march held on September 4th in the Rosslyn Industrial Area. The protest saw community members demonstrate against the alleged preferential hiring of foreign nationals over local job seekers by nearby companies.
The organization stated the briefing was prompted by ongoing frustration and perceived neglect from authorities in addressing long-standing grievances over unemployment and unfair labour practices.
In a strongly worded statement, the group criticized government officials for what it called a pattern of empty promises and bureaucratic delays. “They told us to comply. They told us to submit memorandums. They told us to wait — and we did,” the statement read.
Chairperson Mpho Kgosana acknowledged that their struggle is part of a broader, systemic issue. “We understand we are fighting a system that has been there for 30 years and can never be changed in one day. One march can never change a system,” Kgosana said.
During the briefing, the organization also alleged that Premier Panyaza Lesufi held a private meeting with Rosslyn company executives, assuring them not to worry about the demonstrations—a move the community claims undermined their protest efforts.
One community leader described the September march as both powerful and painful, reflecting on the thousands of unemployed residents, particularly youth from Soshanguve, who participated in seeking opportunities.
The Reaga Community Project has announced that discussions are already underway for a follow-up march on October 31st. This protest is expected to escalate into a full-scale shutdown, with plans to block major roads leading in and out of Rosslyn.
The organization says it remains committed to holding both government and industry accountable until tangible changes are made to improve employment opportunities for residents.
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