​Pikitup pays its staff a bonus, and the utility has urged the public not to pay them the Christmas boxes for which refuse collectors traditionally ask.
PEOPLE are urged not to give Christmas hand-outs to Pikitup staff – traditionally known as a Christmas box – over the festive season, and to report any individuals who approach or harass them for gifts or donations.

“Pikitup employees are forbidden from soliciting Christmas gifts from members of the public, as [it] goes against company policy for staff to take part in this tradition,” explains Lawrence Boya, the acting managing director of the utility.

Speaking before the holiday season gets into full swing, Boya also warns the people of Johannesburg against individuals who masquerade as Pikitup staff and ask for Christmas boxes and donations.

Joburgers are under no obligation whatsoever to give any gifts to Pikitup’s refuse collection staff, as the company does pay a bonus to its staff at the end of the year, he points out.

Pikitup is the City’s official waste management service provider and is responsible for keeping the city clean. It services the entire 1 625km2 that is Johannesburg, collecting and disposing of 1,4 million tons of domestic waste generated by the city’s 3,2 million citizens every year. It also offers commercial services to some 17 000 businesses in the city.

Apart from collecting and disposing of waste, the utility cleans and sweeps approximately 9 000 kilometres of streets. Littering alone costs Joburg R74-million a year while illegal dumping costs another R80-million. The company owns 12 waste management, 33 garden refuse sites, four landfill sites and one incinerator.

Any irregular activities are to be reported to the South African Police Service or Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555.

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