By The Youth Voice Reporter

Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga – The community of Dingleydale in Bushbuckridge has brought the village to a standstill over the recent hiring of community healthcare workers by the Mpumalanga Department of Health. Residents claim that none of the local applicants were considered, with positions going to people from outside the area.

The protests have resulted in a total shutdown of the village. Schools have been closed, including preschools, the local clinic remains closed, and even government offices in the area have been vacated. The community has vowed to continue the protest until government representatives meet with them to address their demands.

Spokesperson for the Dingleydale community, Earnest Nkanyane, said:

“We are pleading with the Department of Health to review the recruitment process and give local people a fair chance. This is not just a Dingleydale problem – other villages in Bushbuckridge have faced the same issue. In places like Maviljan, the community protested until candidates were re-interviewed. Currently, Zoeknog and Cunningmore are also protesting over similar concerns.”

The community’s central demand is clear: local people should be given priority when hiring for healthcare positions in their villages. Nkanyane emphasized that this is about fair opportunities and ensuring local development