Central SA
Community shuts down department of labour offices in Petrusburg over nepotism claims─── ZENANDE MPAME 15:35 Wed, 17 Sep 2025
The department of labour’s offices in Petrusburg have been shut down by angry residents following allegations of nepotism and unfair hiring practices. The community insists the offices will remain closed until senior officials address them directly.
The offices are currently non-operational after community members shut down the centre, citing allegations of nepotism and unfair hiring practices. Community members gathered outside the centre on Wednesday (17/9) and insisted the offices will remain closed until they are addressed by the chief director for provincial operations of the department.
They allege that the director of unemployment insurance in the Free State appointed relatives and associates to all vacant client service officer posts that were recently advertised.
Residents first gathered outside the centre on Friday (12/9), demanding its closure. On Wednesday, an order was issued confirming the centre’s shutdown for the safety of staff.
According to community members, every position was filled by individuals linked to the director, many of whom reportedly come from KwaZulu-Natal. This has raised suspicions that the recruitment process was manipulated to benefit a select group.
“I am not aware of the matter of nepotism,” said Free State department of employment and labour spokesperson Teboho Thejane. “If those matters have been officially raised, the department and public service do have channels and policy prescripts to address those.”
Frustration among residents grew after attempts to address the matter through official channels were met with delays, prompting them to close the centre.
Community members gathered outside the labour offices in Petrusburg. Photo supplied
“Investigations can be done at the Zastron, Petrusburg, as well as Botshabelo labour centres to find out how many of those who have recently been employed are from KwaZulu-Natal,” said Petrusburg community leader Motsamai Solo.
“You will find that all the vacancies have been occupied by people from KZN who are alleged to be relatives of the director of unemployment insurance. We have requested a meeting with the chief director, and she has told us she will squeeze us in whenever she has time.
“The offices will remain closed until she comes to Petrusburg, has a meeting with us, and we agree on a way forward.”
