Job fair leaves thousands of youth frustrated
Young jobseekers waiting in line at Athlone Stadium for the 'Day of 1 000 Opportunities' event, hoping to secure employment.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Hundreds of young jobseekers were left frustrated, angry and empty-handed after the City of Cape Town’s “A Day of 1 000 Opportunities” event descended into chaos at Athlone Stadium on Thursday.
The much-hyped initiative, aimed at connecting unemployed youth to jobs in the contact centre industry, drew a massive crowd, with around 25 000 people pitching up, far exceeding capacity.
Many hopefuls had been queuing from as early as 4am, only to be turned away when gates were closed.
A visibly upset Zara Gamieldien said: “I have been here since 4am and got this s**t service. It is disappointing to say the least.”
For Kagiso Monametsi, the day meant wasted money after paying for transport just to be turned away.
Others described scenes of panic as crowds surged outside the venue.
Femeda Ndlovu claimed police fired shots as tensions grew.
“We have been standing in the queue for a long time. They closed the gate, and we couldn't get in. They were also shooting,” Ndlovu said.
The event was hosted by CapeBPO and the City’s special purpose vehicle in a partnership to create a direct path for job-hunting youth into the flourishing contact centre industry.
Ahead of the event, mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said: “This isn’t just any other job fair. CapeBPO’s team, together with 12 of the biggest contact centre operators in Cape Town, will be at Athlone Stadium offering practical career guidance, interviews, and an offer to receive training for those who might not get signed up on the day.”
The City dismissed claims that shots were fired.
In a statement, officials said no shots were fired, but confirmed that SAPS Public Order Policing deployed a stun grenade to manage the crowd.
They said: “Claims that shots were fired on the crowd are false and unfounded. SAPS Public Order Policing made use of a stun grenade to maintain crowd control outside the stadium. Emergency services have been on site all day. It is regrettable that a few people sustained injuries during the day due to overcrowding, but were all immediately assisted with medical care.”
Ward councillor Rashid Adams added: “No shots were fired, there was a bit of a stampede, and a few people got injured. Police were there to secure crowd control.”
Despite the chaos outside, the City said processes inside the stadium continued in an orderly manner, with officials and companies assisting applicants.
But for many who never made it through the gates, the experience left a bitter taste.
Frustrated young people gathered at the gates of Athlone Stadium, facing disappointment as the event reached capacity.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Adul Qaadir Naidoo said the City should have planned better.
“They must get their house in order. They should have expected this turnout with unemployment so high.”
The City has urged those who missed out to apply online via SAYouth, saying applications will still be processed.