Kasi drowns in rubbish as strike drags on

RESIDENTS and street vendors in Diepsloot, north of Joburg, are grappling with the consequences of the ongoing strike by Pikitup volunteers and casual workers.

The dispute, centred around job grievances, began on Thursday, 16 May, leading to significant refuse pile-up on Joburg's streets, as well as in surrounding towns and townships.

Gilbert Makhoba, a 30-year-old fruit and vegetable vendor in Diepsloot, voiced his concerns.

"I constantly have to deal with flies swarming due to the garbage piled next to my stall. The filth deters customers. Nobody wants to shop in dirt," said Gilbert.

Joyce Sithole (24), another vendor, slammed the unbearable odour that's taken over the community.

"This situation jeopardises our livelihoods. Unsold goods go bad, resulting in financial losses," said Joyce.

She emphasised the critical nature of her street sales income, especially given South Africa's high unemployment rates, and expressed hope for a swift resolution to the strike.

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Gogo Mathaphelo Sibisi (54) shared her anxiety about the health risks posed by the piling up waste, particularly to her grandchildren.

"Living with children, who are highly susceptible to diseases, and being elderly myself, I fear conditions like TB could arise from this rubbish crisis," Gogo Sibisi said.

Previously, Daily Sun published an article about the strike on 18 May, headlined: Cleaners cry foul play over jobs.

In response to the escalating situation, Pikitup issued a statement on Friday, 17 May, promising Joburg residents that efforts were underway to resume waste collection services.

The agency has deployed Public Order Policing officers to clear protesters from depot entrances and encouraged residents to use Pikitup's waste management facilities in the interim.