City Of Johannesburg Streets Turned Into Dumping Sites – Pikitup Strike

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