By Buziwe Nocuze
- Mcebisi Qom from Happy Valley in Cape Town survived on piece jobs like tiling and electrical work for six years.
- The Fourth Industrial Development and Business Forum under Sub-council 14 selected Cape Town resident Mcebisi Qom for a construction job.
Mcebisi Qom from Happy Valley in Cape Town spent six years looking for work. The only income he had came from piece jobs like tiling, ceiling work and electrical work.
“Having a family man and not working is very stressful and it causes depression,” Mcebisi said. “Most of the time I struggled to get the piece jobs and I was having a very hard time because I couldn’t take care of my family.”
He is taking care of five family members.
Mcebisi got the job through the Fourth Industrial Development and Business Forum under Sub-council 14. The forum approached the community when a project came to the area, explaining how the work would operate and that they needed people.
“Every time there’s a project coming in our area, the forum approaches the community, explained about how the project will work and that they need people. This time, I was lucky because I was one of the community members who were selected,” Mcebisi said.
He works from 8am to 4:45pm and gets paid weekly. The job is not permanent.
“I am not the only person happy about getting this job. Even my family is over the moon because they know that times to stress about what we are going to eat are gone for now,” Mcebisi said.
“I am praying that the company takes us when they get another contract. That’s why I am working hard and respecting this job because I have been waiting for too long to be employed.”
Mcebisi walks to work to save money. With his wages he pays for his children’s school fees, transport and lunch.
“This job saved me because being unemployed while there are people depending on you is frustrating and can lead to depression,” he said.
Pictured above: Mcebisi Qom from Happy Valley in Cape Town, who got a job in construction and can now take care of his family.
Image source: Buziwe Nocuze
