Pikitup gets new boss after six months without a head

The sanitation and rubbish removal agency for the City of Johannesburg, Pikitup, has finally appointed a new boss almost six months without a head.

The appointment of Lungile Dhlamini as the new managing director of Pikitup was announced by mayoral committee member for environment and infrastructure services, Nico de Jager today. Dhlamini, a registered civil engineer with a municipal finance management background,  will assume duty from 1 May.

He replaces Amanda Nair, who was fired with immediate effect last September by the Pikitup board after an independent forensic investigation by SM Xulu and Qhubeka Forensic Service into allegations of recruitment, remuneration and procurement irregularities against her.

She was also investigated by Public Protector by public protector, Thuli Madonsela who found  irregularities in the entity.

In dismissing Nair, the board also cited the irrevocably broken down relationship of trust with Nair.

Yesterday De Jager praised the new appointee, Dhlamini for his extensive experience in local government administration.

“Mr Dhlamini has worked locally and internationally in the water and waste treatment sector and has 20 years of experience in senior management positions,” De Jager said.

His appointment has been welcomed by all stakeholders. “The Board, management and organized labour are unanimous that his qualifications and experience will be invaluable to Pikitup and we look forward to him joining the company, “ De Jager said.

De Jager said Dhlamini’s certificate in financial management gave him the required competency level of an accounting officer. Besides having served on the board of the Engineering Council of South Africa, he was also the MD and Accounting Officer of Joburg Water since October 2012. Prior to that he served as an Executive Director in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality.

“His appointment ushers in a new chapter of stability in Pikitup and we congratulate him on his appointment,” De Jager said.

Dlamini would over the management of an entity that is notorious for the poorest service to residents. Rubbish removal employees in the metro are notorious for their unplanned industrial actions that would leave rubbish bins unattended for days and sometimes for up to a month.

– ericn@citizen.co.za