Pikitup urges residents: Report gift-soliciting staff over festive season
In the past, Pikitup has received complaints from residents alleging that some employees have engaged in intimidating behaviour, coercing residents into offering gifts during this period.
Image: File picture: Matthews Baloyi / Independent Newspapers
Pikitup has consistently advised Johannesburgers to refrain from giving gifts to waste removal workers, particularly during the holiday season, and has established channels for reporting workers who ask for or demand gifts.
The entity says soliciting gifts is against company policy, and Pikitup pays its employees a bonus at the end of each year.
Residents who experience employees demanding gifts, intimidating behaviour, harassment, or suspicious activity should report it immediately.
In the past, Pikitup has received complaints from residents alleging that some employees have engaged in intimidating behaviour, coercing residents into offering gifts during this period.
''Pikitup strongly condemns this conduct and reminds both employees and the public that soliciting or accepting gifts from residents is strictly against company policy,'' says the city.
Residents are encouraged to report any incidents of gift solicitation. To report the incident, take note of the compactor truck's registration number and contact the Pikitup call centre at 010 055 5990 or 087 357 1068.
''Pikitup has, however, noted with concern that some employees continue to request Christmas gifts from residents despite a clear organisational policy prohibiting this behaviour. The company has received several complaints from communities across its 12 operational depots, reporting that staff have been knocking on doors and pressuring residents for festive “gifts”.
Meanwhle, Pikitup, the waste management company of the City of Johannesburg, will continue normal waste collection and related services throughout the December holiday period, except for Christmas Day, 25 December 2025.
The entity will operate as usual on 16 December, 26 December and 1 January 2026.
The entity is also encouraging households that are likely to generate excess waste during the holiday season to use Pikitup's integrated waste management services for safe and responsible disposal. The Pikitup website (www.pikitup.co.za) provides a comprehensive list of waste-accepting sites, including addresses, operating hours, and waste types.