By: Mncedisi Goge

The eThekwini Executive Committee has welcomed the decision to convert all temporary employees under the Municipality to permanent contract employees. This was announced in an Executive meeting held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday. eThekwini Mayor, James Nxumalo, welcomed the move and thanked the Municipality for implementing this resolution.

“As the major employer in the Province, eThekwini has been able to reduce unemployment by 1149 which will see those who were temporarily employed including those hired by labour brokers being converted into full time employees,” said Nxumalo.

The temporary contract employees were converted into permanent position at the end of February 2013 following the decision that was taken by Council in December last year. Those that benefitted from this move include Metro Police officers and those who have been employed by the Municipality for more than 24 months and are not older than 63 years.

This, according to Nxumalo, will eradicate the high level of youth unemployment and will ensure that everyone is employed which in turn will reduce poverty in the city.  The general public has welcomed this resolution with open arms.

Edwin Fabrigas Dlomo, commenting on the Municipal’s facebook page said: “That was a great decision by the committee and the Mayor…more people are needed to be permanent.”