Residents welcome Pikitup’s bin distribution campaign

Despite the chilly, wet weather, scores of Jabulani residents turned out to receive 240-litre waste bins during Pikitup's bin distribution campaign in Soweto today, 29 September 2026. Addressing residents before the distribution, Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) MMC, Cllr Jack Sekwaila, urged beneficiaries to use the bins for their intended purpose and not as wardrobes or makeshift containers for transporting alcohol.

The campaign aims to make it easier for residents who have applied for Pikitup bins to collect them at organised distribution points, rather than relying on individual deliveries. This approach is expected to improve efficiency, reduce delivery costs and free up resources. The campaign will be extended to other Pikitup depot areas. Over 300 bins were distributed.

Sekwaila said the initiative reaffirmed the City of Johannesburg and Pikitup's commitment to improving service delivery and promoting cleaner, healthier communities.

“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to providing residents with the tools they need to manage household waste responsibly. Access to proper waste receptacles is a critical component of maintaining clean and healthy neighbourhoods," he said.

He commended Pikitup for sustaining essential services and making resources available for the programme despite the financial pressures facing municipalities and municipal entities across the country.

“Despite the challenges confronting local government, Pikitup has continued to prioritise service delivery by making resources available for this programme. This reflects our collective determination to improve the quality of life of residents and build communities that are cleaner, safer and more dignified," he said.

The MMC also encouraged residents to embrace recycling initiatives, particularly Pikitup's separation-at-source programme, which enables households to separate recyclable materials from general waste.

“Waste should not only be viewed as rubbish to be disposed of. Many materials can be recovered and recycled, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill sites, which are running out of airspace," he said.

Jabulani resident Muzi Gumede, who received a bin, welcomed the initiative and called for it to become a regular feature of Pikitup's operations. He said organised distribution campaigns made it easier for residents to access waste bins and manage household refuse responsibly.

29/09/2026

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