Pikitup work in Joburg area disrupted by protests

Non-renewal of contracts spark war

Pikitup has been unable to collect waste in some areas of Johannesburg such as Alexandra‚ Houghton and Sandton, due to violent protests by contract workers‚ the city mayor’s office said.

“Pikitup is unable to fulfil its waste collection responsibilities in the Alexandra and Sandton depots (Region E)‚ due to continued intimidation and violent protest action against its employees and service providers, by former Jozi@Work employee‚” the City of Joburg said in a statement.

The protests by Jozi@Work‚ employees‚ which started on Monday last week‚ came after the expiry of their temporary contracts with the city.

“Jozi@Work employees went on the rampage during the course of the past week‚ threatening and assaulting service providers and Pikitup workers.”

According to the city‚ the protests started in Alexandra and spread to Wynberg‚ Sandton‚ Orange Grove and Houghton on Friday‚ when vehicles were prevented from leaving the Marlboro depot by protesters.

“There have also been reports of cleaning materials being violently taken from Expanded Public Works Programme employees‚ staff being held hostage and vehicles being turned over,” the statement said.

Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba also made a statement about the protests: “I condemn the violent disruptions by a disgruntled few who knew fully well that they signed temporary employment contracts‚ which are legally binding.

“Pikitup is requesting residents to assist us during this time by bagging waste and placing the bags in identified areas in their wards where collection will be arranged.”

Mashaba said they were meeting all relevant stakeholders in order to find a solution to the situation. –