Pikitup unrest hits Alex streets
ALEXANDRA - Several streets in Alexandra were a stenchy mess from the wrath of Pikitup workers striking to vent out their anger on their salary and work conditions.
Several streets in Alex were left in a mess from the wrath of striking Pikitup workers, who vented their anger over poor salaries and working conditions on 10 March.
The workers chanted their grievances while overturning bins and hauling rubbish onto the streets, which had just been cleaned.
A few of the workers, who opted to remain anonymous, informed this reporter that the trashing of the streets was the only way to register their grievances about poor pay and unhappiness regarding the agency’s management. On 8 March, the agency reported in a news bulletin that it was dealing with a refuse collection backlog in the city centre after employees, affiliated to the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu), embarked on an unprotected strike.
The work stoppage saw workers downing their tools last month and striking against disciplinary charges instituted against six employees, as well as against salary issues. Pikitup’s Jacky Mashapu said management hoped to resolve the matter soon including the salary increase demand from R6 000 to R10 000.
Alex resident, John Monare, said while workers had a right to strike on labour and management-related issues, trashing the streets was not an appropriate action as it impacted the health of innocent people.
Monare urged the City to create a lasting solution to the agency’s problems, particularly regarding management. This he said in reference to the position of embattled managing director, Amanda Nair.
Last year, Nair was accused of improperly awarding a R263-million tender to Aqua Transport Plant Hire and was suspended for a year, but a new board of directors cleared her of wrongdoing and reinstated her.
Samwu deputy regional secretary, Paul Tlhabang, said they will ensure charges against Nair were reinstated as they were serious. Tlhabang said Nair was being protected while Samwu members, shop stewards and leaders continued to be victimised by management.
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Matsidiso Mfikoe, also waded into the matter. Mfikoe recently stated that Nair had been cleared after a year’s suspension and anyone with relevant information should come forward.
The MMC also apologised for the strikes’ disruption of waste management services and the severe inconvenience it caused to residents. “The strikes are despite an agreement of December last year to restore a relationship of trust between the City and Samwu,” she said.
