Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi directly engaged Bushbuckridge communities on January 10th, visiting Casteel, Shatale and Hluvukani.

“When we come to every province, we are taking services to the people – displaying the various offerings we have closer to those far from our offices,” Nxesi stated.

“We must leave our offices and bring all our services closer to communities across the country,” he added.

Services provided included Unemployment Insurance Fund assistance, Compensation Fund help, and Public Employment Services, among others.

Unfortunately, load shedding disrupted the community’s ability to receive help. This caused frustration among residents.

“People lost their cool because the system was off. They feel underserviced since they paid taxi fares and came from far away. It’s understandable, but we are speeding up the process so they are fully serviced,” explained Provincial Operations Chief Director Mandla Sibanyoni.

The week-long Bushbuckridge outreach leads up to the Mpumalanga Jobs Fair on January 11th. It connects job seekers and employers while providing integrated services, per Sibanyoni.

“The jobs fair helps candidates find opportunities and employers connect with qualified applicants, all through the Department of Employment and Labour’s Public Employment Services,” Sibanyoni said.

The Thulamahashe Stadium fair matches Bushbuckridge’s workforce with business talent needs. The outreach and jobs fair aim to bring employment help directly to underserved communities.