A church service with a difference
BRYANSTON – Employers seeking domestic and commercial employees are encouraged to make use of the efficient service offered at the employment bureau introductory service at St Mungo's United Church.
An efficient employment bureau operating from St Mungo’s United Church in Bryanston encourages employers seeking domestic or commercial employees to make use of this efficient service which matches job seekers with appropriate employers.
The bureau, which has been functioning at the church for more than 30 years, invites people seeking employment to visit the church between 8am and 11am every Tuesday. Job seekers are required to bring along a copy of their ID or a work permit as well as a written reference and contact number relating to their line of work so they can be registered.
A number of domestic workers, childminders, gardeners, caregivers, painters, drivers, receptionists, office cleaners and other staff make use of this service.
Employers are encouraged to visit the centre between 9am and 11am, fill out a form stating the specifications for the job and then the volunteers will match them with five candidates. The employer will then interview five candidates and decide who they would like to hire.
Volunteer Heather Garrett said, “Our service is free for job seekers and employers can come here and have a choice regarding who they hire. There is no obligation to hire anyone and you are meeting people on neutral ground, which takes the hassle out of the hiring process.”
Garrett added that they registered about 2 000 new people every year and found jobs for roughly 200 people. When Sandton Chronicle visited the centre, about 100 job seekers were present.
“Our church is about community upliftment. We are called to help people and to show love to one another. This service gives hope to the unemployed and makes them feel valued. We are formalising a more informal sector of the community.”
Angeline Boikanyo said she came along to the centre to find a job as a receptionist or administrative assistant. “My contract ended and I am now looking for another job. I have been successful at finding work here before. The system is good and I hope I will find something again.”
Julia Mposula said, “My employer passed away and now I am looking for another job. It is a great system because you can chat to employers face-to-face.”
Liz Uren said she had made use of the bureau to find a domestic worker and a gardener and had been impressed by their efficiency. “I have found great workers here,” she said. “The volunteers are so helpful and it’s simpler than trying to arrange interviews and call people. There are many very qualified people and you can specify what you need and hire the right person.”
Details: Employers are welcome to drop by on a Tuesday morning between 9am and 11am at the church at the corner of Grosvenor Road and William Nicol Drive.
The church requests a donation of R150 for the service, which is used to fund their soup kitchen. For further queries, contact Heather on garretth@mweb.co.za
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