Dear Honorable Mr. McKenzie,

My name is Winston Benjamin, and I am a strong supporter of the Patriotic Alliance. As a colored individual, I stand up not only for my community but for all nations. I genuinely believe in your vision for South Africa, and I hope you will become our future leader.

Like many in Cape Town, I have faced challenges and learned from my experiences. A few years ago, I gained clarity on the mindset we, as brown people, need to adopt: actively seeking better job opportunities. This realization came when I noticed an advertisement for an Emergency Communicator position with the City of Cape Town. With 20 years of experience in security, I believed I was well-qualified for the role. Unfortunately, I was not selected. I understand that many experienced candidates apply, but I have concerns about fairness in the hiring process.

During a recent series of interviews, there were two colored candidates, including myself, and one Xhosa candidate. We were open about our fears of being judged for past employment issues. The Xhosa candidate revealed he had a criminal record and intended to misrepresent his past. Despite our experience, he secured the position while we did not.

I know you have spoken about job oppotunities in the past, and I want to add my voice to this important discussion. The City of Cape Town appears to prioritize matriculants for almost all types of jobs, which raises significant concerns. Not all children have the same learning abilities, and many face challenges that prevent them from completing matric. What happens to those who cannot achieve this requirement? This creates a barrier for countless individuals who are capable and willing to work but lack the necessary qualifications.

I spoke with a young man who expressed frustration about job prospects, and a young lady pointed out that many Xhosa individuals complete school. Additionally, I’ve encountered UIF workers who have difficulty speaking English. I know Xhosa individuals who admit to buying their qualifications, while I invest in legitimate courses. This situation feels deeply unfair.

After applying to various positions, I thought there might be an issue with my CV. However, when I applied to Qatar Airways for Cabin Crew, I received an interview invitation from this esteemed international company. Unfortunately, I did not secure the position, but this experience further highlights the inconsistencies in the job market.

I wanted to share my experiences and concerns with you, hoping they may contribute to a broader discussion about employment opportunities for all South Africans.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Winston Benjamin