Solidarity Union intervenes in Media24 restructuring process threatening up to 126 jobs

The story of Tsholofelo Moenga, a board member of MaRocks Laundry Services, demonstrates the resilience, ingenuity, and determination of women who are building sustainable income in their communities. As part of the celebration of Women's Month in South Africa, the National Development Agency (NDA) recognized the success of MaRocks Laundry Services—a woman-owned enterprise that has expanded its operations and created jobs through grant funding.

Moenga, who grew up in Tshing Township, started this business after being unable to find employment despite having qualifications in economics from Tshwane University of Technology and North-West University. Before launching the business, she sold cookies while searching for work. Later, together with a business partner, they noticed demand for laundry services in their area and began operating from home using one washing machine and a small dryer.

The venture gained significant momentum after attending an NDA training program for community-owned enterprises, which prompted them to apply for grant funding. After vetting in 2022, the NDA approved funding of R222,316.03 in 2024. This grant allowed the company to purchase four commercial washing machines, a 2500-liter tank, a 7.5 kVA generator, two steam irons, and a basic office container.

These investments improved turnaround times and enabled the business to continue operating during water and electricity outages. Since then, MaRocks Laundry Services has hired three more employees, utilizes temporary staff during peak periods, and outsources delivery. Moenga also noted that the business benefited from word-of-mouth recommendations, Google registration, maintaining high service quality, and networking opportunities provided by the NDA.

The company provides laundry services to both households and local businesses, including funeral homes. Services range from washing blankets, carpets, and clothing to cleaning sneakers and steam ironing. The NDA subsequently approved an additional sustainability grant of R198,495.53 to help the business diversify its services. These funds will be used to purchase industrial sewing machines, an overlocker, sneaker cleaning equipment, an additional container, a steam iron, a steam press, and storage space.

This expansion is expected to create five new jobs while supporting four existing positions. Furthermore, it will allow the company to introduce sewing, tailoring, and additional sneaker cleaning services. Moenga emphasized that this funding significantly improved the company's operational capacity. She stated: 'We can work faster than before. When there is no water, we still function, and even when there is no electricity, we have a generator to keep working. There is more space to accommodate larger orders.'

The company plans to launch on-demand dry cleaning services in Ventersdorp, as residents currently have to travel outside the city for such services. Moenga believes that entrepreneurship has become an opportunity not only to support herself but also to create livelihoods for others. She urged young people, especially women, to utilize available funding opportunities and not despair due to the notion that government support is only accessible through connections. She added: 'The idea is that you need connections in government to get funding. In our case, that was not the case. We worked hard, believed in our dream, and went through the process step by step.'

She also highlighted the importance of financial discipline, maintaining proper business documentation, and using a dedicated bank account when applying for funding. The NDA reported that initiatives like its grant programs continue to support women- and youth-led enterprises that contribute to job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable local economic development.

Protests related to corruption and inefficiency in the State Public Service Commission (KPSC) examinations have been ongoing in the Indian state of Kerala for almost a month, according to Indian media. Hundreds of candidates who successfully passed the exams but have not yet received appointments to government positions are protesting in front of the government secretariat in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.

The protesters are demanding the resignation of the KPSC chairman, as well as a fairer and more effective assessment and examination process. Furthermore, they have expressed dissatisfaction with local leaders showing support for the NEET protests in New Delhi while ignoring the PSC protests in Kerala.

Reasons for the Protests

Despite some candidates, such as those who took the primary school teacher exams, being included in ranking lists, they have not received appointments. The protesters also claim that the number of vacancies was inaccurately stated, leaving many high-ranking individuals unemployed.

The exams and the KPSC itself are accused of grading falsification and corruption. Investigations indicate that some candidates who achieved high ranks attained their scores through manipulation of the assessment process. According to Indian media reports, candidates have also found discrepancies in the distribution of test materials for certain recruitment exams.

Investigation Following Corruption Allegations

On July 31, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala Criminal Police Department uncovered irregularities in the KPSC evaluation for the post of State Planning Council chief. Media reports revealed that the person who ranked first, identified by the Kerala newspaper Manorama as Arun J Pratap, allegedly failed to answer 10 questions, suggesting manipulation in determining his top rank.

It is reported that the SIT is also investigating potential political interference in the examinations. Due to the increasing number of complaints regarding various PSC exams, the investigative team has been expanded.