#ICYMI: Pikitup resumes service after violent and illegal disruptions
SANDTON – Despite intimidation and protests, Pikitup will resume normal service with the assistance of the police and Metro police.
After recent Jozi@Work protests, 23 ringleaders have been arrested following violence and disruptions to Pikitup‘s services.
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Nico de Jager said the violent disruptions started on 30 January in Alexandra and spread to Wynberg, Sandton, Orange Grove and Houghton on 2 February, when vehicles were prevented from leaving the Marlboro depot by protesters.
“Following the expiry of their temporary contracts, Jozi@Work employees went on the rampage during the course of the past week, threatening and assaulting service providers and Pikitup workers.”
De Jager said there have also been reports of cleaning materials being violently taken, staff held hostage and vehicles being overturned.
“Pikitup provides a six-days-a-week waste collection service and collects over 200 tons of waste per day in Alexandra alone. However, the violent protests have now led to Pikitup being unable to fulfil their mandate in Region E, and services in Region, C, F and G are now also affected.
“The allegations made by the former Jozi@Work employees that they have not been paid for two months are not a true reflection of accounts. The actual reason for their protest is about absorption and permanent employment.”
Pikitup phased out the Jozi@Work programme at the end of December last year when most of the temporary contracts came to an end. “The programme was cancelled and it was agreed that a new programme would be introduced that will also get the approval of National Treasury.”
De Jager said three security guards were attacked and hospitalised on 6 February.
“Damages include a car of the Waste Group that was turned over and damaged, and the Pikitup depot got vandalised.”
“I also wish to state upfront that any individual found guilty of actively participating in these disruptions will not be eligible to apply for similar positions of a rotational nature within the City.
“The Waste Group has also successfully applied for an interdict against the protestors to protect their infrastructure and staff.
“To date, 23 of the ringleaders have been identified and arrested and more arrests are imminent once we identify further culprits,”
De Jager said Pikitup will resume service delivery with the assistance of Metro police and South African Police.
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