{"id":48599,"date":"2026-01-28T15:06:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T15:06:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/?p=48599"},"modified":"2026-01-28T15:06:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T15:06:08","slug":"residents-of-south-africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of-uncollected-rubbish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/2026\/01\/28\/residents-of-south-africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of-uncollected-rubbish\/","title":{"rendered":"Residents of South Africa\u2019s economic hub wade through weeks of uncollected rubbish \u2013 Newsday"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>While Pikitup and the City of Johannesburg said that refuse collection services would be steadily resuming in Randburg following a work stoppage, depots remain barricaded, and services remain stalled for many after two weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The work stoppage began on 15 January, as protesting employees went on strike to demand permanent contracts, which they said were promised to them in 2023.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>According to the city, officials and Pikitup are working 24\/7 to manage the situation, and the matter is under review, but cannot be resolved outside of lawful governance processes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>On Sunday, 25 January, the city announced that Randburg refuse collection services are expected to progressively stabilise throughout this week, barring further disruptions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDaily monitoring is in place until services are fully restored,\u201d the city said, along with \u201cprogress reports are being submitted to executive management and fleet and resources are being optimised to maximise collections.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Workers briefly returned to duty for two days last week, but then resumed the strike as leadership has failed to meet their demands.<\/p>\n<p>After numerous assurances, MMC of the Environment and Infrastructure Service Department, Jack Sekwaila, said that normal operations will resume from today, 28 January, following a meeting held between Pikitup and workers on 27 January.<\/p>\n<p>Sekwaila said that the 27 January meeting concluded with an agreement to resume normal operations, while addressing recruitment challenges. <\/p>\n<p>However, despite this, as of the morning of 28 January, the Randburg depot remained barricaded, and overflowing municipal rubbish bins continued to line the streets of Randburg.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>DA spokesperson on Pikitup, Tyrell Mayers, said that rubbish is piling up in the streets has \u201cleft Johannesburg, the so-called \u2018world-class city\u2019, engulfed in filth.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDesperate residents are increasingly forced to resort to illegal dumping, further worsening environmental and public health risks across the city,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pikitup depot remains barricaded by frustrated workers<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-16-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-16-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-16-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Workers picket outside the Randburg Pikitup Depot on 26 January. Photo: Helen Zille\/Instagram.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612752_701_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612752_701_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-17-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-17-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-17-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The entrance to the Randburg Depot is barricaded to stop trucks from exiting. Photo: Helen Zille\/Instagram.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612754_217_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16156\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612754_217_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-19-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-19-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-19-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Helen Zille\/Instagram. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Chief Operating Officer of Pikitup, Meyrisk Ramatlo, told DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille that he was committed to speaking to workers on Friday, 23 January, regarding their applications for permanent jobs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Workers cleared the road to the depot and deconstructed the barricade, agreeing they would return to work following the statement from the COO.<\/p>\n<p>However, after waiting from 06:30 am to 9 pm, the workers allegedly had received no news.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey say to me that is the reason why their frustration boils over into the kind of action that we\u2019ve seen. They are treated with disrespect, one promise after another has been broken,\u201d said Zille.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>She added that workers say permanent jobs are given based on nepotism and not on experience or merit.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In an interview with SABC, the COO said that no one has reported cases of nepotism, which the workers are encouraged to do.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are awaiting a full report, but we encourage employees to report any suspicions of nepotism or irregular processes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Some workers said that they had been waiting for permanent contracts for as long as six years.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Making matters worse, Meyers said the issue is compounded by the closure of two landfill sites. \u201cHalf or more of Johannesburg\u2019s landfill sites are already full or permanently closed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Beverley Jacobs, Ward 98 councillor in Randburg, visited the Pikitup depot on 28 January and said that \u201cnothing has changed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have spoken to some of the executives; there is no operational plan in place.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sekwaila said it was \u201cunfortunate\u201d that a political element entered the conflict. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have observed an instance where a political party claimed to assist the casual workers, fully aware that they cannot resolve the underlying issue between Pikitup and the casual workers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is inappropriate for politicians to exploit the issues faced by our people for political gain.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Residents told to expect more delays<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612757_469_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612757_469_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5-13-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5-13-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5-13-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Kimberley Kersten.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612759_846_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612759_846_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-16-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-16-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-16-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Kimberley Kersten.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Jacobs said that executives announced they have instituted legal action against the workers, and security has been deployed to monitor the situation.<\/p>\n<p>However, an operational catch-up plan has not yet been confirmed and will only be communicated once the relevant court rulings and interdicts are in place.<\/p>\n<p>She communicated to residents that they should expect continued delays in refuse collection until full operations resume. There is no time frame for when this will be.<\/p>\n<p>Sekwaila said that Pikitup is returning to normal operations and implementing a catch-up plan to clear the waste backlog in affected areas, and said residents will be updated on this progress. No specific timeline was given.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think the biggest issue here is the executive. The political leadership in our country cannot be transparent, can\u2019t come to residents and say \u2018we\u2019ve messed up and this is the way forward\u2019,\u201d Jacobs said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo we are sitting with heaps and heaps of rubbish at the depot and heaps and heaps of rubbish in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meyers said there has been no communication from the leading ANC-EFF-PA coalition, despite the severity of the disaster, and no meaningful communication from Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJohannesburg residents should not be forced to live amid refuse, disease and environmental hazards because of an administrative failure,\u201d said Meyers. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612762_730_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612762_730_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-15-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-15-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-15-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Kimberley Kersten.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612764_92_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769612764_92_Residents-of-South-Africas-economic-hub-wade-through-weeks-of.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4-15-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4-15-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4-15-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Kimberley Kersten.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"text-center border p-3 bg-light mt-4 rounded\">You have read 1 out of 5 free articles. Log in or register for unlimited access.<\/div>\n<p>                        <!-- Share Data Setup for JavaScript --><\/p><\/div>\n<p><script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n#Residents #South #Africas #economic #hub #wade #weeks #uncollected #rubbish #Newsday<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While Pikitup and the City of Johannesburg said that refuse collection services would be steadily resuming in Randburg following a&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":48600,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48599","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mzansi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48599","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48599"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48599\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48601,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48599\/revisions\/48601"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48600"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48599"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48599"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48599"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}