GEORGE NEWS - George Herald has covered the issue of job seekers loitering at the corners of First and Second Street on Knysna Road over many years, publishing complaints from the public about the negative impact on nearby businesses and the neighbourhood.

The latest complaint is from Louwrens Selzer, Marketing Manager of the Garden Route Development Agency, who experienced how three corporate businesses from Johannesburg, interested to do business in First Street, were put off because of this issue. 

"One business wanted to do a development and another was interested in office blocks at Fairview Office Park, but they indicated they would rather consider Mossel Bay where the conditions are more favourable.

"This is unacceptable. George is the capital of the region," says Selzer.

An attempt by George Municipality to provide a solution through the Worker Collection Point (WCP) in Industrial Road, is not supported by all contractors or residents. This is despite a database of available workers and skills and the peace of mind that background checks have been done.

Furthermore, the lockdown has had a major impact on the WCP system and its database, according to Municipal Communications Chief Chantel Edwards-Klose. 

"The offices were closed during lockdown and reopened in April 2021. Due to the amended lockdown status the facility closed again and was open sporadically until reopening in September 2021."

Demand for workers low

Edwards-Klose said an updated database is being created, as some of the men no longer use the facility, new men have joined, and some have passed away.

"A card system will also be put in place from this month. Even though individuals have been registering at the WCP, work opportunities and contractors or households coming to pick up men for the day have been slow."

She said more individuals are also standing on the corners because contractors still pick them up there rather than at the WCP. "The public and contractors choose not to register at the facility as they do not wish to adhere to the rules.

"Members of the public standing at the street corners are loitering and Law Enforcement assists with removing the individuals from the corners and bringing them to WCP, but it is up to the individual to register or not."

'We are hungry'

One of the men regularly waiting at the First Street corner on Tuesday told the newspaper that many have lost their jobs due to lockdown, and work is scarce. Over the holiday period it was even more so. 

Last week he did not get hired once. This week on Monday he had a job, but on Tuesday by lunch hour there have not been any pickups. "We are hungry."

He said the men are not keen to register at the WCP because there are too many individuals, which reduces the chance at a job.

Another job seeker complained that drunken men in their midst cause mistrust among members of the public. On refuse collection days these same men go into nearby neighbourhoods searching through rubbish bags while they look for opportunities to steal and break in.

Harassment

Dean Hahn, owner of Nando's said he has complained to the municipality many times but the responsible section is not really helpful. "We have a major issue with the workers. They do affect business negatively. They are messy and sometimes intimidate our female staff members."

Political will

Selzer said there must be strong political will to seek a solution. "This has been going on for years. The municipality will have to spend some money, perhaps pay a contractor to stop the loitering and maintain a satisfactory situation."

Another concerned citizen who wishes to remain anonymous, said solving the matter is made more difficult because of rising unemployment. 

"I would say about half of the loitering workers are skilled people. It is also highly probable that the others have a criminal record. I think the existing system implemented through the WCP should be used and even expanded."

Members of the public wishing to make use of the Worker Collection Point, may contact Amy Kearns on 044 801 9173 or akearns@george.gov.za.

'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'