By Khulile Thwala
Phangweni Chiefdom under Somntongo Constituency Bucopho Philemon Matse has raised concerns over the hiring process for this year’s general elections jobs.
Matse claimed that first preference was given to emaSwati who were already gainfully employed.
“Over the years, we have seen civil servants occupying the posts advertised for the general elections more than the unemployed youth. You find that teachers, and security personnel, among others, are given first preference when hiring yet high school leavers and graduates are idling at home without jobs,” alleged Matse.
He said to ensure a positive outcome, the unemployed youth in the various constituencies should be hired first. EBC Communications Officer Mbonisi Bhembe said the organisation welcomed suggestions and views of this nature regarding the hiring process and said the Commission also wanted to see those who are unemployed get hired for this duration.
“Although we will not hire each and every person in the country, over the years, it has been evident that the Commission has been diverse in its hiring for election jobs. Seeing as our hiring dates back to 2008, you find that there are people who were hired then and are still not employed. Those people will not be shunned as they have experience. We also want to empower women and those living with disabilities,” said Bhembe.
He said this showed that the Commission was not only looking at the smooth sailing of the elections but also reviewed how best to ensure all emaSwati are taken into consideration when hiring for election jobs.
He said this will improve the credibility of EBC and further will make the elections a success.
Concerns raised over EBC’s election jobs hiring process
