No Christmas gifts for waste management workers during December
City of Ekurhuleni asks public to not gift waste disposal workers this festive season.
The City of Ekurhuleni discourages residents from handing out Christmas gifts to waste management services workers during the festive season.
This may have a negative impact on service delivery, and may also result in unnecessary injuries and incidents of property damage.
In the past, generous residents would give the workers gifts ranging from money to alcohol, and this compromised their ability to render waste collection services effectively.
“The situation can even get worse if an employee decides to drink while on duty and ends up injured or causing damage to someone’s property while discharging their duties. While the employees know that drinking on duty is prohibited, a tempting situation must be discouraged and prevented at first sight,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
“Residents are reminded that they are not obliged to offer any gifts to our staff. We would also like to make residents aware that the city’s employees are forbidden from soliciting Christmas gifts from members of the public, as this goes against council policy, making the practice illegal,”
The city encouraged ratepayers and residents alike who are approached and/or harassed by the municipal staff for gifts or donations during this period to report such incidents to the metro for further investigation and possible consequence management.
“Should employees request gifts from residents, residents should record the names of the employees, vehicle registration number and if possible, pictures of the employees and vehicle, so that the matter can be easily dealt with,” advised Dlamini.
These incidents should be reported directly to the city’s service delivery call centre on 0860 543 000.
Waste removal services will be delivered as per the waste collection calendar on the following public holidays: December 16, 26 and 27.
It is also important to note that all municipal public offloading facilities (mini-sites) and landfills will also be open throughout the festive season.
