The DA condemns the continued collapse of refuse collection services in Johannesburg under the ANC-led administration.
Residents have once again been informed that Pikitup was unable to resume refuse collection today due to ongoing action by casual workers, with management stating that it is “engaging” with those involved.
The reality is that these labor disputes have been recurring since 2021. Despite years of disruption, the ANC-led administration has failed to resolve the underlying issues or put effective contingency plans in place to ensure that refuse collection continues. The result is a City drowning in rubbish, exposing residents to health risks, damaging the environment, and eroding public confidence in local government.
This is yet another example of an administration that is incapable of delivering even the most basic municipal services. While residents continue to pay rates and taxes, they are met with overflowing bins, filthy streets, and endless excuses.
Residents are entitled to ask whether the continued instability within the City’s entities is simply the result of incompetence or whether political interests are allowing Johannesburg to become increasingly ungovernable ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
We call on the Executive Mayor, the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, and the Pikitup Board to immediately:
• Restore refuse collection services without further delay;
• provide residents with a clear and transparent plan to resolve the ongoing labour dispute permanently;
• implement effective contingency measures to ensure that refuse collection is never again brought to a standstill by recurring labour unrest; and
• account publicly for why these disputes have been allowed to continue for years without a lasting resolution.
Johannesburg deserves better. Residents deserve a clean, safe, and well-managed city. We will continue to hold the ANC accountable for its failures and will fight for a City that works for everyone.
You have only two days left to register to vote in the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026. Register today and vote for a DA-led administration that prioritises service delivery in Joburg.