Watch: Uncertainty looms as Pikitup grapples with service disruptions
In a wave of protests hitting various parts of Johannesburg, Pikitup services face disruption as casual workers vehemently demand job security from the waste management utility.
Waste collection services across several Johannesburg neighbourhoods have come to a standstill as casual workers, whose contracts are nearing expiration, intensified their protests outside Pikitup depots on May 16.
Watch:
@caxtonjoburgnorth Protesters at Norwood Pickitup Depot demand answers as to why locals are being overlooked for jobs, alleging bribery and nepotism with reports of individuals paying R5000 to secure employment.#localnews#depot#RosebankKillarneyGazette#caxtonlocalmedia
The unrest has severely impacted Norwood, Marlboro, Waterval, Selby, Randburg, Midrand, and Diepsloot, leaving residents grappling with uncollected refuse.
The protest erupted after allegations of corruption and unfair hiring practices emerged against Pikitup. Protesters blocked depot entrances, preventing employees from performing their duties, and in some instances, resorted to burning tyres to voice their demands for permanent employment.
Among the aggrieved workers was Makhosi Kunene, who claimed years of broken promises regarding job placements. “We want our jobs. Since 2018, they’ve promised us jobs and we’ve been waiting. But now they’ve hired other people,” Kunene claimed.
The workers accuse Pikitup of bribery and corruption, claiming that the company has bypassed them for permanent positions in favour of outsiders.
Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Hugget said, “It’s alleged that out of 40 positions, not one was given to a resident of Ward 73, and most if not all, positions were given to people from outside the province.”
The spokesperson for Pikitup Muzi Mkhwanazi acknowledged the disruptions and outlined the steps the company was taking to address the issue. He said the waste utility was considering various options to restore normal service delivery in the affected depot areas. This included initiating discussions with the protesting casual workers to find mutually acceptable solutions and implementing security measures to enable employees to continue serving the community.
Mkhwanazi admitted the difficulty in predicting the duration of the disruptions but reassured residents that a recovery plan was being devised to address the backlog swiftly
Local ward councillors and community leaders have expressed strong concerns over the allegations and the impact on service delivery. Ward 74 councillor Belinda Echeozonjoku emphasised the need for transparency. “We have a right to know how many community members have been permanently employed, as we are accountable to the residents.”
Sanco Zone 16 organiser William Moloi pointed out that despite these local workers’ proof of application, appointment letters were given to individuals from other provinces without local applicants being called for interviews.
As Johannesburg residents deal with mounting waste, the city’s image suffers. The protests highlight deep-rooted issues within Pikitup and the city’s waste management sector, calling for immediate and transparent action from city officials and Pikitup management to restore trust and service delivery.
Residents are advised to stay updated on the situation by following Pikitup’s social media platforms, where details regarding the waste collection recovery plan will be shared.
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