Following the resumption of Pikitup services on Tuesday, the City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Jack Sekwaila, has strongly condemned the torching of two Pikitup waste collection trucks in Diepsloot.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has raised serious concern as it came shortly after an agreement was reached with protesting casual workers who had earlier barricaded depot gates in an attempt to pressure Pikitup into employing them. The protest action took place while their grievances were already being formally addressed.
The DA has warned that Johannesburg’s waste management system is in crisis following disruptions caused by casual worker industrial action. The party said blocked depots, closed landfill sites, and unpaid service providers have left residents exposed to serious health and environmental risks.
The agreement was secured through the intervention of Sekwaila and other key stakeholders, including organised labour unions, with all parties consenting to return to work while concerns raised by casual workers at the Midrand, Marlboro and Randburg depots were considered through proper channels.
Sekwaila said Pikitup is a law-abiding entity and cannot be forced to act outside established legal and policy frameworks by hiring individuals unlawfully. He added that the company’s management is on the ground addressing the situation and has assured residents that the matter is receiving urgent attention.
“On Wednesday, in the afternoon, I personally visited the Randburg depot to check if work was continuing as agreed during our meeting on Tuesday. Upon my arrival, I discovered that the gates were still closed. However, I engaged with the casual workers and requested them to open the gates to allow trucks to go out and service our residents. After explaining the decision made in our meeting, we came to an understanding, and the gate was cleared,” he said.
Sekwaila apologised to residents whose waste was not collected as scheduled and assured them that operations are actively being stabilised. He said a comprehensive plan is in place to clear backlogs in affected areas and that residents will be kept updated on progress, including any further service disruptions that may arise.
The incident has been reported to the South African Police Service for investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the destruction of the company’s vehicles and to apprehend those responsible.
The Star
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