The Bedfordview waste collection team was joined by the caretaker and head of department (HoD) for the Waste Management Business Unit, Phakamile Mbengashe, as part of a new initiative titled Walk in My Shoes.

The initiative, held on December 18, sees senior management spending time performing frontline duties alongside general staff to better understand day-to-day operations and challenges.

Mbengashe said the programme was introduced following a directive from the newly appointed city manager, requiring senior managers to gain firsthand experience of operational work on the ground.

He explained that the initiative allows management to identify practical challenges and improve service delivery beyond a purely strategic level.

Also read: Ekurhuleni revises waste collection calendar for select areas in 2026

This includes exploring ways to speed up waste collection, optimise routes to reduce diesel usage, ensure staff safety through proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintain waste bins to prevent damage.

One of the challenges identified was the disposal of green waste, such as grass and plants, in bins intended for solid household waste.

Mbengashe noted that green waste can damage collection trucks.

He said the City would improve communication with residents to highlight the availability of designated garden refuse dump sites.

Despite these challenges, Mbengashe praised the waste collection teams for their professionalism, work ethic and respectful interaction with residents.

He said he was proud of the standard of work displayed by the teams.

Mbengashe also revealed that the new city manager plans to conduct an audit of all depots across the City of Ekurhuleni.

The audit will assess conditions at operational centres, with a focus on improving frontline facilities.

“All service delivery points and operational centres must be up to standard. Toilets must work and facilities must be clean, as a good working environment leads to more efficient service delivery,” he said.

Waste collection teams will continue with their normal schedules across the City of Ekurhuleni throughout the festive season, except on Christmas Day.

Collections scheduled for Christmas Day will roll over to the following week.