Over hundrand unemployed youth members of Emalahleni waited under the boiling heated sun, at Extention 7 Park in Ezinambeni and Lynnville stadium with their CV’s at hand.

The meeting was between Highveld Industrial Park and the youth, to give an update on the reopening of more assets and the potential job opportunities. The meeting came after a huge number of unemployed youth stood outside the firm for a chance of getting work. The youth seemed to have gathered at the stadium with a motive to leave having signed contracts for job opportunities.

Organised by Rudolf Raphael Head of Stakeholder Relations to talk to them after an announcement in November was made that the company was at work of acquiring the remaining iron and steel making assets of Highveld, and since then the youth proved their determination to get employment by making an appearance on a daily basis to seek for jobs.

Due to high unemployment rate and the huge number of youths gathering at Highveld, Rapheal say it is important the youth know of the proper procedures taken when applying to prevent them from falling victims of scammers who take advantage of the undesirable situation the youth is in to feed their selfish desires.

Community members say “the huge crowds that turned out at the meetings are indications of the high youth unemployment in Emalahleni and a government that has failed its youth when it comes to employment opportunities.” This has brought a sad appearance to others as to how real the struggle to find employment is, with companies labelling the youth as lazy but flock stadiums with hope for employment and not just talks.

However they have seen hope in such a meeting and hope such further meetings will take place to let the youth know of which job opportunities are made available and not only from the Highveld Industrial Park but many other companies around the area.