March Wraps: Rosslyn Youth Protest: Thousands Demand Local Employment Opportunities

Thousands of Youth Protest in Rosslyn Over Local Employment Opportunities

On September 4, 2025, thousands of young people from the northwestern townships of Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Winterveldt, and Soshanguve staged a major protest in the Rosslyn industrial area, demanding job opportunities amid persistent youth unemployment. The demonstration, organised under the banner of Rea Aga Community Projects, brought the area to a standstill as participants voiced frustration over companies allegedly prioritising foreign workers over local talent.

Protesters handed memorandums to several firms, including Nissan, BMW, and Lion Match, calling for immediate action to hire locals. Thousands of resumes were left at company doorsteps, with participants giving businesses a seven-day window to respond positively to their demands.

Many protesters highlighted systemic barriers to employment, citing age discrimination and gatekeeping practices that prevent local youth from securing meaningful work. One young participant stated that she regularly submits her CV but is overlooked, leaving her to consider undesirable alternatives to support her family.

Joseph Marwan, a regional convenor for the movement, expressed mixed feelings about the protest. While he applauded the turnout and awareness raised, he stressed the urgency of immediate action rather than waiting for a seven-day response, indicating plans for further organised demonstrations if demands are not met.

Other participants from surrounding areas, including Hammanskraal, noted similar challenges in their industrial zones, highlighting the broader issue of local communities being sidelined in favour of external labor. While the protest concluded peacefully, organisers emphasised their commitment to returning stronger if their calls for employment are not adequately addressed.

The Rosslyn march underscores the growing frustration among South African youth, who face one of the world’s highest unemployment rates. With the local government elections approaching, many protesters are hopeful that political leaders and employers will respond to their demands for sustainable employment opportunities.