The City of Johannesburg has intensified its fight against illegal dumping through a multi-stakeholder clean-up campaign in Region E, reaffirming its commitment to restoring cleaner, safer public spaces and improving service delivery.
Led by Deputy Executive Mayor Councillor Loyiso Masuku, Chair of Chairs Councillor Adolph Marema and City Manager Dr Floyd Brink, the operation took place on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, starting along London Road in Alexandra before expanding to several illegal dumping hotspots, including Vasco da Gama, Lenin Drive Extension, the M1 North and South corridor between Grayston and Houghton Drives, and the area surrounding the Malawian Consulate.
The campaign brought together Pikitup, Johannesburg Water, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Area Fixed Service Units (AFSU), Community Work Programme participants, Alexandra Water Warriors, Block-by-Block members, ward councillors and community volunteers.
Dr Brink said the initiative demonstrates the City's commitment to restoring service delivery while encouraging residents to take ownership of their communities.
"Today, we are working alongside councillors, community members and City officials to tackle illegal dumping. While we are removing waste, our goal extends beyond today's clean-up. We are committed to keeping our communities clean and urge residents to work with us. Illegal dumping is unacceptable, and those who continue to break the City's by-laws will face penalties," he said.
Providing an update on waste collection services, Dr Brink confirmed that Pikitup had resumed operations in most parts of Johannesburg.
"Several depots are operational, and we continue to address the remaining challenges. Our priority is to restore reliable waste collection while working with Pikitup management to resolve outstanding labour-related matters in a lawful and sustainable manner," he added.
Councillor Masuku thanked residents for supporting the campaign and encouraged them to play an active role in maintaining clean neighbourhoods.
"This is not a once-off campaign. It marks the start of a sustained clean-up programme that will continue over the coming days. Keeping Johannesburg clean is a shared responsibility, and we encourage residents to join us whenever they can," she said.
Councillor Marema urged residents to stop illegal dumping and the burning of waste, warning that these practices threaten public health and damage the environment.
"A clean Alexandra starts with all of us. While the City is committed to delivering services, residents also have a responsibility to care for their surroundings. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier and safer Alexandra," he said.
The City will continue the clean-up operation over the coming days while working to fully restore normal waste collection services and strengthen environmental management across Region E.
Written by Zingiswa Mndayi and Lulama Mgcina
06/08/2026
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