The Department of Employment and Labour in Tzaneen, Limpopo, is calling all work seekers in the area to avail themselves for possible opportunities as they embark on a drive to recruit farmworkers to help them find jobs in the citrus industry.

The Department's Deputy Director of Public Employment Services (PES), Ms Sarah Lepogo said: “As a unit, we are struggling to get enough people to work in farms especially picking of citrus. With this recruitment drive, we hope that community members will be encouraged to apply for possible employment. Even if they do not all get the jobs in this campaign, at least they will be registered on the system as work seekers and be placed as and when job opportunities arise."

Lepogo said farmers offer picking positions which does not require a qualification but physical fitness.

“Departmental Employment Service Practitioners (ESP) often struggle to find local people who are interested in the picking fruits as they claim it is hard work because remuneration is task based. Employers are using this method of remuneration to push for high production instead of hiring too many supervisors," said Lepogo.

This recruitment drive for local people comes after the Labour Centre has been inundated with a large number of applications for work permits/visas from foreign nationals in a town that has a high rate of unemployment.  The prerequisite for a visa application by the employer, an ESP is required to search system for local work seekers before approving a work permit.

Lepogo said: “Many of the people on the system are either employed, their numbers do not exist, and some say they are not interested in the offer, resulting in the ESP finding few local people to fill these vacancies.

The department is calling on all unemployed community in and around Tzaneen to bring their CV's at Mahaela Boerdery as per below details:

Date:              18 March 2021

Venue:           Salom Office (cnr Oosthuizen and Derde str)

Time:             08h00-16h00

Date:              19 March 2021

Venue:           Mahaela Boerdery Offices (next to junction garage) Letsitele

Time:             07h00

For more info, contact the following official departmental officials:

1.Mr Lesetja Maake-082 373 5444

2.Mr Gija Machimana-082 885 8949

3.Mr Michael Makhubele-067 226 0399

4.Ms Prudence Malope-066 479 8809

For media enquiries contact:

Lerato Mashamba

Limpopo Provincial Communication Officer

082 908 1833

“Please continue adhering to the lockdown regulations. Wash or sanitise your hands regularly and wear your mask at all times."

-ENDS-

 Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour​

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