Business forum seeks to cash in on economic development
The forum, which consists of six business forums, was formed with the aim of creating job opportunities and radical economic transformation.
Residents from Blue Sky, Cinderella, Comet, Villa Lisa, Ramaphosa and Reiger Park attended the Amalgamated Business Forum meeting held at an open piece of land in Parkdene on November 9.
EMPD officers were on the scene monitoring the situation.
Messages such as “Let’s all benefit and share the economy”, “Radical economic transformation and empowerment” and “The blood of Chris Hani was not for the enrichment of corrupt politicians” were displayed on the residents’ placards.
One of the issues raised was Leeuwpoort Housing Development in Boksburg.
According to Xolisa Sicwebu of the amalgamated forum, the contractors working on the project refused to give back the 30 per cent towards the empowerment of communities.
“When contractors are awarded a tender, by law that 30 per cent must go back to the community but they are failing to do so,” said Sicwebu.
In their efforts to try and get that 30 per cent, Sicwebu highlighted that they have halted contractors working on the project.
Sicwebu highlighted regarding the Leeuwpoort development that the metro did not follow the correct supply chain and procurement processes.
“We have also submitted a memorandum highlighting our grievances,” Sicwebu said.
Representing the interests of SMMEs, Terrence Dzeli said it is important that big companies offer opportunities to the smaller and medium enterprises and should contribute to the economy.
“Our labourers are getting exploited on sites because of labour brokers,” said Dzeli.
“Workers who have been recruited end up not enjoying their money because they have to take out a certain percentage from that money and pay service providers who recruited them to the job, of which I think it’s unfair.”
Community chairperson, Anele Faye, said: “Our people are hungry and jobless but government doesn’t care.
“We have a project here in Boksburg that is worth billions of rands (Leeuwpoort project) but they don’t come and check what is happening with the development.
“They are just wasting taxpayers’ money by not monitoring contractors to see if they are doing their job or not.”
Sicwebu highlighted that they are in the process of organising a march at the end of November so that they can spread their message to the public.
ALSO READ:
https://boksburgadvertiser.co.za/326820/forum-halts-leeuwpoort-housing-project/
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