BOTSHABELO, FREE STATE — As the November 4 local government elections approach, the Labour Party (LP) Mangaung branch has launched a robust campaign in Botshabelo, prioritizing the creation of real jobs and the elimination of discriminatory employment age restrictions. Addressing supporters in the Free State, party leadership outlined a strategy to contest 51 wards in the Mangaung Metro Municipality, focusing on fair and inclusive policies that open doors for all capable workers.
The party’s central agenda focuses on dismantling the bureaucratic red tape that they argue disproportionately benefits a privileged few while crippling the broader economy. According to the party, employment opportunities should be universally accessible, with hiring decisions based strictly on an individual’s ability, skills, and willingness to contribute, rather than arbitrary age limits.
Serame Thibakhoana, the Labour Party Mangaung Coordinator, emphasized that the local community possesses the numerical strength to drive significant change and tackle the region’s unemployment crisis.
“In Mangaung, we are enough to make a change so that we can fight this battle of unemployment,” Thibakhoana stated. He specifically highlighted the urgent need to end the 35-year age cutoff for employment, asserting that everyone has a fundamental right to work. Thibakhoana promised that the party is committed to entering the municipal council to effectively represent the people and bring about tangible change.
Local residents echo these sentiments, pointing out that while Mangaung possesses substantial factory capacity, bureaucratic red tape from various departments and municipal entities stifles growth and deters investors. Community members argue that current infrastructure and municipal support are insufficient, making the Labour Party’s pro-labor stance highly appealing to voters looking to improve their living conditions.
The frustration among the local youth is a major driving force behind this political shift. Residents note that many companies arbitrarily reject candidates in their mid-to-late twenties—such as 25- or 28-year-olds—without assessing their actual capabilities, while older employees remain in their positions. By championing labor relations and fighting for young workers, the party aims to dismantle these systemic barriers.
Ultimately, the Labour Party believes that securing seats in both the municipality and parliament is essential to enacting top-down changes. By removing restrictive policies and focusing on genuine labor opportunities, the party aims to ensure that the doors to employment are opened for everyone willing to work.
