Pikitup Johannesburg has clarified that its employees were not responsible for the piles of waste scattered across parts of Cosmo City and surrounding areas earlier this month.
According to a statement issued by Pikitup, groups of job seekers allegedly dumped refuse along main streets on 10 March in what appeared to be a protest demanding employment opportunities.
The incident reportedly began earlier in the month, when individuals gathered outside a Pikitup depot gate on 3 March, disrupting normal operations and preventing waste collection vehicles from leaving the facility.
Pikitup spokesperson Anthony Selepe said the protesters falsely claimed to be casual workers employed by the waste management company and demanded immediate job placements.
“They forcefully demanded that the department provide them with jobs without following the proper recruitment process,” Selepe said. “The protesters falsely claimed they were Pikitup casual workers demanding unpaid salaries, which is not true.”
Selepe added that protesters blocked waste management vehicles from leaving the depot and scattered refuse in areas including Cosmo City, Zandspruit, Kyasands, and Malatjie to intensify pressure on the department.
Authorities from the South African Police Service and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department were called in to help stabilise the situation.
Pikitup said clean-up operations were later carried out with assistance from law enforcement and community members.
Selepe warned residents against participating in such actions.
“We urge residents not to take part in the illegal dumping of waste in communities. Strict action may be taken against those who continue with such activities,” he said.
A member of the Cosmo City Community Policing Forum, Mr. Nkomo, praised community members who assisted in restoring cleanliness in the area.
“For the love of our community, it had to be done. We thank the waste department and residents who helped clean the streets,” he said.
However, Nkomo noted that it has not been confirmed whether Cosmo City residents were among the protesters responsible for the incident.
“We have heard many rumours about what caused the protest, and we are not certain which information is accurate. We urge community members not to participate in illegal activities,” he added.
While the situation has since been contained, some residents have expressed concerns about inconsistent waste collection services, saying overflowing bins can create health risks and confusion in neighbourhoods.
Nkomo urged the City of Johannesburg to improve collection schedules.
“At times, bins are not cleared on time for reasons we do not know. We appeal to the City of Johannesburg to respond quickly, as overflowing waste poses serious health risks to the community,” he said.