Parts of Johannesburg to brave waste piles as Pikitup strike persists

JOHANNESBURG - Parts of Johannesburg will likely not have their waste collected on Friday due to an ongoing workers’ strike at Pikitup.

Pikitup's waste removal trucks at the Randburg depot remained parked on Thursday, as casual workers continued their demonstration over contractual disputes.

The workers told Eyewitness News that they had been overlooked for permanent employment opportunities despite being contracted with the entity for nearly a decade.

On Wednesday, workers trashed the streets of Braamfontein, refusing to empty bins and to prevent dozens of waste removal trucks from servicing their designated routes.

This was only the beginning of their protest - which the workers have vowed would continue until they are given permanent employment.

"The disruption will continue as normal if they are not resolving it," said one disgruntled Pikitup worker.

The workers said more depots would be joining their demonstrations.