Kgalalelo Setlhare and Andile Mbele
Two days before elections, Johannesburg streets are overflowing with trash following the Pikitup-EPWP strike that has been ongoing for over two weeks. A strike by labourers classified as ‘part-time workers’ brought waste collection service to a standstill over the two last weeks in demand of permanent jobs and a raise at the City.
The ongoing strike is disturbing essential waste services, which leaves affected areas in slums and grim conditions affecting not only the city residents with unpleasant smell, but also the road users as the trash covering the streets leads to traffic.
Inside politics spoke to people affected by this issue including the community leader of ward 61 City of Johannesburg, Cllr Themba Mkhize who said the protest was triggered by the allegations of corruption and unfair human resources practices within Pikitup.
When addressing the media about a recovery plan to resume refuse removal services last week, City manager Floyd Brink denied these allegations, saying 300 job posts were advertised last year and an independent recruitment agency was responsible for the recruitment process.
He said an independent investigator will spearhead investigations and a report is expected to conclude in the next coming weeks.
“The protests were sparked by the deployment of the new recruits to the various depots of Pikitup mid last week. They felt they were supposed to have been considered and prioritised in the recently held open recruitment processes.
“Our organised labour was on board on these developments and kept abreast. These positions were advertised, and various people who met the criteria were to apply through an online application that was created by the external service provider.
“Organised labour was notified to attend as observers during the interviews. Of importance to note is that various employees who are rendering the services of Pikitup to the communities of Joburg are appointed on different employment contracts, that is, co-operatives, EPWP, casuals and our permanent staff,” said Brink.
Brink said the disruptions escalated into violent protests, resulting in workers burning tyres outside depots.
This action forced Pikitup to order a court interdict against striking employees. “This is to ensure that whilst the rights of our employees to protest are protected, these rights must be exercised within the confines of the law and without destroying municipal assets and infrastructure,” said Brink.
INSIDE METROS
