Protests as youth demand stipends

WHILE the month of June is dedicated to the youth, thousands of young people across the Northern Cape have been left disillusioned and deprived of stipends owed to them through a government-funded learnership programme meant to empower them with skills and work experience.

- SANDI KWON HOO

Their frustrations boiled over this week when affected participants demanded urgent intervention by blocking traffic on the R31 and barricading the road with burning tyres and rocks.

Police from Delportshoop, along with the Public Order Police Unit from Kimberley, responded to the protest at the Longlands intersection on the R31 on June 18.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said disgruntled community members had blocked the road with burning tyres from around 9.30am.

"Members from the Public Order Police dispersed the crowd and the road has been reopened. Police will continue to monitor the situation," she said.

Groups of poverty-stricken participants also gathered outside the provincial offices of the Department of Labour this week, demanding answers.

"We are tired of waiting. Must we resort to violence in order to be paid what is owed to us?" they asked.

Complaints of non-payment since the programme began three months ago have been received from participants in Kimberley, Barkly West, Gong Gong, Delportshoop, Kuruman, Prieska, and Longlands.

Some participants said they were forced to abandon their training as they could not afford transport to attend classes.