Pikitup casual workers at the Randburg depot have agreed to open the depot and resume refuse collections following talks with the management and the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Infrastructure, Jack Sekwaila.

Sekwaila stepped in to save the day after the workers went on strike for more than two weeks.

Read more: Randburg Pikitup casual staff remain on strike as they await permanent placement

He assured the workers that their grievances were being addressed. “As the city, we are considerate of their grievances and frustration, and there is something we are doing.”

He assured residents that the matter was under control, and confirmed that a meeting will be held on January 30 with all the casual employees and relevant stakeholders to provide a clear way forward. The rubbish that the strikers blocked the entrance of the depot with was removed by the workers.

John Mokhethi, a casual worker for six years, said Pikitup promised that the workers could apply for permanent positions, which would take up to six to eight weeks to be finalised.

“We have decided to open [the depot] because they [Pikitup] promised to have things fixed, and we do not mind waiting for another two months. We are hoping that we will be good in these two months, and we do not need to go back to this.”

Pierre van Wyk, head of the Ferndale Ridge Residents Group, said residents haven’t had refuse collected for more than 18 days.

Also read: Residents pay to battle illegal dumping in Kya Sands

“Some employ private companies to collect their refuse, or take it themselves to Pikitup waste sites. It is the second time we have been affected by non-collection in the past three months.

The city and Pikitup, in particular, however, don’t care. They bill the usual charges on our bills without even offering a pro rata rebate. So, either we pay for the days not collected, or we have to pay twice for our refuse to be collected.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Rubbish is removed at the entrance to the Randburg Pikitup depot. Video: Lwazi Khuboni #caxtonlocalmedia #Localnews #News #SA #Fyp #2026 #Community #Randburg #servicedelivery ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

He added that he personally laid the blame on the management of the entity for the mess.

“It’s an absolute disgrace that government entities offer this level of customer service to those who are forced to pay for a service. I also feel residents should not be charged when service delivery fails. Pass on the income loss to those in management responsible for this situation.”

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