HUNDREDS of job-seekers thronged the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair offices yesterday seeking to be hired for menial jobs after being turned away by exhibitors. BY BATANAI MUTASA
Most exhibitors have been preparing their stands using their own staff for the past two months, leaving several job-seekers stranded.
During preparations of the stands, exhibitors normally hire local people as painter assistants, cleaners, off-loaders and groundsmen.
However, most job-seekers told Southern Eye that firms were not hiring as they used to in previous exhibitions.
“I have been coming here daily since the end of March with hopes of employment for piece jobs, but I have had to go back home empty handed daily,” said Nigel Ndlovu (18), a qualified painter.
“At present I just wake up to come here and wait for midday, when all hope is lost I return home,” he added.
Conwell Dube (25) claimed that there was lack of transparency in recruiting.
“We are not allowed into the Trade Fair premises and just have to wait outside, but no company representative has come to look for workers here. It is surprising that you see one person allowed in.
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“We hear reports that the security people are charging people $5 to gain access to the ZITF grounds to seek jobs. But where would I get that money being unemployed?” he queried.
Mzingaye Nkomo said the exhibition was not benefiting locals.
“We don’t know who these people want to support us. It is painful,” he added.
