Pikitup has issued a statement warning the public not to give any gifts to their waste removal staff during the festive season.
This means that bhanselas, meaning free giveaways, are no longer tolerated.
Acting managing director, Suren Maharaj, warned residents and business owners not to give ‘Christmas boxes’ and ‘donations’ as the company does pay a bonus to its employees at the end of the year.
“Pikitup employees are forbidden from soliciting Christmas gifts from members of the public, as this goes against company policy for staff to take part in this tradition,” Maharaj said.
Acting general manager, Bulelwa Zimba, said they no longer allow employees to ask for Christmas donations. Previous staff would ask for donations and criminals saw opportunities to swindle residents, she said.
Ward 117 councillor, Tim Truluck, also advised residents that if anyone is approached by any waste removal staff member, they should write down the vehicle registration, street name and report the matter to the councillor as soon as they can.
We asked residents how they felt about giving Pikitup waste removal staff Christmas gifts.
This is what residents had to say …
