Tau began by saying that the work stoppage of the waste management entity, Pikitup, cannot be tolerated. He said the streets of Johannesburg have become a dumping site and highlighted the importance of establishing an amicable solution. This solution is urgently needed because of the damaged property and public violence.
The mayor said numerous workers who are a part of the unprotected and unlawful strike have been arrested for attempted murder, public violence and the destruction of property. He did, however, stress that it was too soon to say whether or not these Pikitup employees would be dismissed. He added that he did not want to predetermine anything prematurely.
Tau explained the legalities behind the strike when he said the strike was unlawful because Chapter 4 of the Labour Relations Act had not been adhered to during the strike. Furthermore, the prescribed dispute resolutions were also not adhered to. There is, therefore, a big difference between lawful and unlawful strikes in South African law. Tau said that because the strike is unlawful, it is unprotected.
He added that he is exceptionally grateful to those citizens who have actively helped and contributed to the cleaning up of garbage during the strike. He referred to this as active citizenship. “Thank you for contributing to making Johannesburg a world-class African city,” said Tau.
Many citizen arrests took place in Cosmo City and Alexandra. Parks explained that the citizens have had enough of the violent misconduct of the Pikitup workers who are striking. However, he stressed that citizens are discouraged from taking the law into their own hands. Residents are encouraged to call the police instead.
He said that a hotline has been set up for residents who want to have their waste collected or for those who have any questions. Tau added that an app has been set up to complement the hotline and this app is called Find & Fix.
Details: 011 286 6009.
