Today, I held a constructive meeting with representatives of contract workers employed by Pikitup, including former Jozi@Work and EPWP beneficiaries, in order to discuss the alleged non-payment of their contracts following the end of the programme.
In addition, the meeting also addressed the possibility of creating full employment opportunities for the former temporary contract workers who were part of the programme.
Under the previous administration, the Jozi@Work programme was used to benefit only those who had close political ties to the ANC elite – denying many of our residents of fair employment opportunities.
Neither service delivery nor work opportunities were the priority, enriching middle-men, labour brokers appeared to be the key driver of this programme. Pikitup phased out the programme at the end of December 2017, when most of the temporary contracts came to an end.
During our engagement, I was made aware that the management and payment of these former Jozi@Work temporary workers was done through a number of third party service providers. I have instructed Pikitup to engage with these service providers and ensure that the matter of non-payment is resolved immediately.
Pikitup provides a crucial core service to Johannesburg residents. I welcome all suggestions for not only further capacitating the entity but also providing better quality services to residents. Given the crucial nature and ongoing need for the service, I have instructed Pikitup to investigate the feasibility of providing full employment opportunities to some of the workers involved with the programme.
It is important to look into reversing the exploitation of workers under the ANC through this programme. As the new administration, we have committed to bringing change to the City and providing the best quality services to residents.
I have instructed Pikitup to provide me with their feasibility study by the end of the month. Crucial to our approach will be finding a means of offering these former temporary workers with the dignity of stable employment and fair play.
The feasibility of this creating this employment will be subject to the operational needs of Pikitup whilst guaranteeing the financial sustainability of the entity.
As part of our implementation process, preference will be given to verified Jozi@Work and EPWP contract workers subject to a recruitment process and assessments for applicants.
I would like to thank the Jozi@Work representatives for working with the City as we seek to create fair work opportunities for all our residents.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
Media Enquiries:
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Mayoral Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
Cell: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
