In a bid to clean up the metro, and create employment opportunities, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), an entity of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, has deployed 206 street cleaners, waste pickers, tree-fellers, and general waste collection workers. This initiative aims at rejuvenating Kariega and Gqeberha, including North End.
The 206 recruits, selected from a pool of thousands who responded to the call for applications in April, were officially introduced during a launch event attended by MBDA CEO, Anele Qaba, all MBDA Board members, key stakeholders such as Central SRA, Discover Mandela Bay, and Nelson Mandela Bay municipal officials.
“Our aim is to cleanse the inner city, restore its cleanliness, and instil confidence in residents, workers, and traders within these pivotal economic zones.
“This initiative not only addresses the pressing issue of unemployment, but also contributes to the overall revitalisation of our urban landscape,” said Qaba, highlighting the programme’s objectives.
The newly-recruited workers will sport distinctive personal protective equipment (PPE) and branding bearing the slogan, “The MBDA AT WORK”, along with employment reference numbers on their ID tags, facilitating easy identification during their duties.
In a message conveyed on behalf of the deputy executive mayor, Chief Whip of Council, Councillor Wandisile Jikeka, urged the recruits to uphold their responsibilities diligently.
“You are the ambassadors of this programme. Your dedication and pride in your work will not only reflect well on yourselves, but also on the entire city. Let your efforts inspire others and pave the way for future success,” said Jikeka.
Echoing the sentiment of unity and progress, Jikeka emphasised the importance of representation across all areas within the Metro.
“The success of this initiative in Kariega is a testament to our collective strength as a unified metro. Let us strive to extend this success to other precincts,” he affirmed.
David Edwards, Chairperson of the Central SRA, expressed enthusiasm for collaboration with the newly-formed workforce.
“We eagerly anticipate working hand-in-hand with this dedicated group to enhance the effectiveness of existing programmes, and ensure comprehensive coverage across all our initiatives,” Edwards concluded.
Quick facts about the programme:
- Teams of general workers will be deployed into the three priority precincts to provide numerous services, such as tree cutting, street sweeping, and other garden and maintenance-related activities.
- The workers have been sourced through an extensive open and public recruitment process that involved public advertisements and social media use.
- The workers will be placed at strategic areas, and will provide the necessary services required to maintain clean and liveable spaces.
