by Prince Moyo
JOHANNESBURG, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Bernard Musiiwa is a disgruntled job seeker in South Africa. Three years ago, he worked part-time as a security guard, getting a diminutive salary that can pay neither his monthly bills nor his two kids' school tuitions.
It was very difficult for him to pursue his own academic ambitions as well. Money was a big stumbling block.
"Where there is a will there is a way," the 29-year-old said. "I discovered that China City malls were a reliable source to get jobs," he told Xinhua recently.
Musiiwa is one of many locals getting temporary or permanent jobs at the China City malls scattered in Johannesburg and other metropolises of South Africa. The malls, mainly run by Chinese, are creating job opportunities for thousands of unemployed South Africans.
Besides, the malls have also become major trading sites for commodities and materials and contributed to cross-boarder trading, which has been an increasingly significant factor in promoting regional integration.
"Every time there is something to do, but the problem is that many youths are not willing to go there to seek jobs," Musiiwa, who has been working at the mall since 2009 as a temporary shop assistant, told Xinhua.
"That 'little' money I get here is changing my life," he said while adjusting a loaded forklift.
Mussiwa, who also trains others to operate fortlifts during his day-offs, said the local people are missing opportunities by simply counting on the government instead of seeking the many businesses available to themselves.
"They (Chinese) are open and willing to teach you what you want and you can learn how to run small businesses," said Zimbabwean-born Kudzi Mutungi who works at the China City mall in downtown Johannesburg near the Ellis Park Stadium, which hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
A dispatch assistant, Mutungi is planning to run a small cloths and grocery shop of her own, for she has the experience enough to do so.
Several young men and women stand outside the main gate of the mall every morning pitching themselves for employment. Musiiwa said those who are lucky can get temporary jobs that last for days, weeks or months and can even turn into a permanent employee in the end.
Those unfortunate, however, will be at the same spot the next morning hoping for the best. "One can spend one or two weeks coming every day without getting a job," he said.
Those interviewed by Xinhua said nowadays temporary jobs are more likely to be found at the China City malls than at construction sites or farms. The malls that house several assorted businesses are very busy and require a lot of laborers every day.
South Africa is facing a serious problem of youth unemployment and tackling unemployment has been declared as one of the top priorities for President Jacob Zuma's government, which has already proposed a range of policies accordingly.
Many job seekers, mainly foreigners who used to look for jobs on farms and as house maids, are now paying attention to Chinese businesses. As finding jobs has become ever more difficult, South Africans who in the past often shunned jobs involving carrying heavy loads or being shop assistants are turning their eyes on these posts at the China City malls.
"As youths, we must help our government by not being more selective," said Methusi Ncube, another temporary worker at the mall. "There are a lot of jobs out there that can make someone realize his goals."
He said working at the mall can get the money one needs in order to do things based on his or her choice, but being too picky will only lead to an awkward situation where he or she keeps begging money from the government while blaming it.
