×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Operation Dudula members protest at petrol station, demanding only locals be hired

Organisation also picketed outside a Hillbrow health centre

Mpho Koka Journalist
Operation Dudula members protest against foreign nationals outside an Engen garage in Brixton.
Operation Dudula members protest against foreign nationals outside an Engen garage in Brixton.
Image: Veli Nhlapo

Operation Dudula members are protesting outside the Engen petrol station in Brixton, Johannesburg, calling for it to employ South Africans only as petrol attendants.

On Tuesday, the group of about 100 people gathered outside the petrol station dressed in white T-shirts of the movement, carrying placards, sjamboks and SA flags as they sang Struggle songs.

The placards read ''Put South Africans first; Non-rare skills jobs for South Africans only; No foreign nationals must be given jobs; and Foreigners must go fix their countries.’’

Operation Dudula Joburg regional chairperson Siphiwe Shabangu said the movement wants the establishment to hire only South Africans for jobs which are not considered scarce skills.

“We came here six weeks ago to tell the owner of this place that he should hire South Africans only. Pouring petrol is not a rare or critical skill. Working as a cashier or behind the counter is not a rare skill that you need to go to school for. We are going to have a meeting with the owner about this,’’ said Shabangu.

Shabangu and his colleagues were in a meeting with the owner since 12pm, while protestors continued their singing and chanting.

Operations at the station were briefly suspended due to the protest as motorists were turned away by petrol attendants.

The convenience store was not affected by the protest.

Operations have since resumed and motorists are able to fill up.

Police and private security are in the area monitoring the situation.

Earlier, the group protested outside the Hillbrow Community Health Centre to "raise awareness" against illegal immigrants using the facility.

The members were chanting that they are giving illegal immigrants "until December to go back to your countries".

There was no disruption of service at the health centre as patients freely went in and out.

Shabangu said no-one was barred from entering the centre.  

kokam@sowetan.co.za  

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.