UPDATE: No refuse collection in Chiawelo, Chiawelo 2, Mapetla, Phiri, Molapo, Dobsonville extension 3 and Protea Glen extension
Ward 46 residents protest for employment opportunities at the Zondi Pikitup Depot
Update: June 13
In the early hours of the morning on June 12 at around 4 am, Zondi ward 46 residents had a protest at the Pikitup Zondi Depot as they raised complaints concerning employment opportunities and alleged nepotism that’s taking place at the Zondi Depot.
It is alleged that the Zondi Pikitup depot has hired residents from surrounding areas such as Braamfischer, Chiawelo, Mapetla, Phiri, Molapo, Chiawelo, Chiawelo 2.
According to the SANCO ZONAL Secretary forward 66, 46, 51, 21, 20 and 130, Muzi Hlongwane, “There are three different kinds of employment categories in the Zondi Pikitup Depot such as, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Jozi @Work, Chain supply, general employment and the other one is youth related which is an internship.
“The protest is about the employment of our people within our wards as it is their right for them to be employed and earn a living as normal people do.”
Pikitup stated that the waste management entity of the City of Johannesburg will not be able to render its usual services in areas serviced by the Zondi Depot in Soweto today.
“The protestors are preventing Pikitup employees from discharging their responsibility of rendering waste removal service on areas serviced by Zondi Depot.
“As a result, it is unfortunate that waste cannot be rendered in Chiawelo, Chiawelo 2, Mapetla, Phiri, Molapo, Dobsonville extension 3, Protea Glen extension 8,9,10,14,20,26,27,29,31 and Lefhureng.
“Pikitup has since requested the assist if Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to restore order before normal waste collection services can resume in the area and we apologise for the inconvenience caused and we are appealing to the affected residents to dispose of their waste at its garden sites while is it addressing the issue,” said the Pikitup spokesperson, Muzi Mkhwanazi.
June 12
Khwezi Ward 46 residents are up in arms following allegations that the Pikitup Depot in Zondi is giving jobs to people from neighbouring communities and not in their ward.
As a result, a group of locals opted to put on a show by demonstrating outside the depot singing songs and burning tyres. Protesters made it clear that they need jobs and that the hiring processes should be transparent.
We are currently making attempts to contact Pikitup to affirm this information and whether there were any posts available at the Zondi Depot. Also, get clarity on how the labour procurement process works.
Our reporter is on her way to the scene.
