Pikitup to work nightshifts and weekends: Inside plans to clean up Joburg

The City of Johannesburg and Pikitup officials have given an update on the City’s plans to clean Johannesburg’s streets.

A strike by labourers classified as ‘casual workers’ brought waste collection service to a standstill over the last week.

The protest began following allegations of corruption and unfair human resources practices within Pikitup.

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Protesters have since blocked depot entrance, threatened staff, and flung trash around the streets of the City.

The strikers are demanding that they be permanently employed by Pikitup, and not by third parties, as is the case.

Briefing to update the public

Pikitup Managing Director Bukelwa Njingolo said despite the ongoing disruptions, Pikitup is committed to starting with clean-up operations.

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She said they had engaged their contracted service providers who would be providing additional resources.

The standard complement of vehicles totals 351, but many vehicles used by the City are supplied by third parties. Pikitup has now reached an agreement with these contractors to supply additional labour.

Safety of employees

Njingolo confirmed that five people had been arrested in connection with the protests.

She stressed the safety of those inside and outside depots and said the management of each depot was being consulted before calling in law enforcement.

While the casual workers made up the majority of the protestors, it was clarified that there were members of the public joining the protests in the hope of gaining employment.

Opportunities for striking workers

Pikitup’s MD stated that phase one of a recruitment drive had already begun in December 2023, with phase two set to be completed in June.

ALSO READ: ‘We work unpaid overtime to keep our jobs’ – Pikitup employees

It was claimed that the casual workers would be considered for employment but that there were no direct contracts with Pikitup.

The entity has contractors who supply operational and human resources, including 3000 Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers.

Resumption of services

Pikitup spokesperson Anthony Selepe confirmed to The Citizen that some depots had sent trucks out on Wednesday.

Njingolo listed the additional resources allocated for each depot across the city, which would see Pikitup working nightshifts and over the weekend to address the backlog.

WATCH: Pickitup and City officials outline their plans to clean Joburg’s streets after the protests.