Pikitup not living up to its name as job seekers protest at its depots
Refuse is piling up in parts of Johannesburg as people demand jobs, stoning trucks to get attention
Concerns are growing that Pikitup’s failure to collect refuse could become a health hazard in some parts of Johannesburg. Pikitup has been unable to collect refuse in parts of Midrand and Soweto due to job seekers who have staged protests at some of its depots. Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said their employees were not on strike. However‚ they were unable to operate because of people demanding jobs from the waste management company. "The people protest outside our gates and prevent trucks from leaving the depots." He said the job seekers were threatening employees’ lives. "[On Tuesday], a truck was stoned in Westbury during collection. Two weeks ago, another truck was stoned at Zondi depot and the Central Camp depot was set alight last week." Another truck was set alight two weeks ago in Diepkloof‚ Soweto. Mkhwanazi said that, in the interim‚ Pikitup would ask police and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to escort their trucks collecting refuse. The affec...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.