About 70 protesters from various communities in Mpumalanga gathered outside Eskom’s Megawatt Park head office in Johannesburg on Wednesday to demand jobs and fair hiring practices at nearby power stations.

The demonstrators, from Emalahleni, Victor Khanye, Steve Tshwete, and Thembisile Local Municipality, claimed they were being overlooked for employment opportunities at Kendal, Kriel, Matla, Kusile, and Duvha power stations, all located in or near their communities.

The protesters handed over a memorandum of demands, requesting an urgent meeting with Eskom’s management. Their demands include prioritizing local recruitment, improving transparency in hiring processes, and addressing the high unemployment in their areas.

“We urgently call on Eskom to take concrete steps towards the growing unemployment crisis in Emalahleni and surrounding communities,” the memorandum read.

One of the protesters, Simanga Mashiana, said communities were tired of being dismissed and told to speak to head office with no results.

“That’s why today we decided to come here,” he said.

Another protester, Zakes Mlambo, highlighted the plight of local graduates.

“Even people with qualifications are being ignored. These power stations are in our backyards, yet we are jobless,” he said.

The memorandum was received by Eskom General Manager Amos Mboweni, who promised a formal response within two weeks.

“We take these issues very seriously. Some of your concerns are worrying, and that is not how Eskom wants to be known,” Mboweni told the crowd.

At the time of publication, Eskom had not responded to media inquiries.