Several Pikitup trucks were set alight in Diepsloot last night [January 27].

The incident comes amid ongoing demands by casual Pikitup workers for permanent employment, with workers claiming they were promised permanent positions as far back as 2023.

According to the City of Johannesburg, the burning of the trucks occurred despite an agreement reached just a day earlier between Pikitup management, protesting workers, and key stakeholders.

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MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Jack Sekwaila, condemned the destruction of the municipal vehicles, describing the incident as both criminal and deeply concerning.

Sekwaila confirmed that the matter has been reported to the South African Police Service, which is investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and is expected to pursue those responsible.

“This incident is particularly concerning as it occurred following an amicable agreement reached yesterday with protesting casual workers, who had barricaded depot gates in an attempt to force Pikitup to employ them,” Sekwaila said.

Noted in the statement, the agreement was reached on January 27, following the intervention of the MMC alongside organised labor unions and other stakeholders.

All parties agreed that workers would return to their duties while their grievances were formally considered. Protests had affected depots in Midrand, Marlboro, and Randburg.

Sekwaila stressed that while the concerns of casual workers were being addressed, Pikitup could not be coerced into acting outside legal and policy frameworks.

“Pikitup is a law-abiding entity and cannot be compelled to act unlawfully by hiring individuals outside prescribed legal and policy processes.”

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“Today, in the afternoon, I visited the Randburg depot to check if work was continuing as agreed during our meeting yesterday. Upon my arrival, I discovered that the gates were still closed. However, I engaged with the casual workers and requested them to open the gates to allow trucks to go out and service our residents. After explaining the decision made in our meeting, we came to an understanding, and the gate was cleared.” MMC added.

The torching of the trucks has further disrupted waste collection services in affected areas. Sekwaila apologised to communities whose refuse had not been collected as scheduled and assured them that contingency plans were in place.

“I would like to extend my sincere apologies to residents whose waste was not collected on the scheduled dates and assure them that work is underway to normalise services. A plan to clear waste collection backlogs in the affected areas has been developed. Residents will be kept informed of progress and notified should any further service disruptions arise during this period.”

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