By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Jobseekers and ActionSA picketed outside Pikitup’s Braamfontein offices, demanding answers about 400 general worker posts advertised in February.
- William Nakedi, 55, says he survives on a social grant and help from his parents while waiting for work to support his children.
Hundreds of jobs were advertised in February. Months later, the applicants still do not know if they will get them.
Jobseekers joined ActionSA for a picket outside Pikitup’s offices in Braamfontein on Monday, 24 August, demanding answers about 400 general worker posts the waste management company advertised earlier this year.
ActionSA handed Pikitup a memorandum demanding answers about the recruitment process. The party said Pikitup needs more workers, yet the 400 posts remain unfilled. It also wants a public report into Pikitup’s 2024 recruitment process, after an investigation found problems with how that process was handled.
William Nakedi, 55, from Naledi in Soweto, applied for a Pikitup job when recruitment opened in February. He still has not received feedback.
He depends on the R350 Social Relief of Distress grant and support from his parents, who also receive grants.
“I am lucky I have both parents that I can still depend on,” he said.
Nakedi sometimes finds piece jobs to bring in extra money, though even that does not always pay off. What he wants is steady income to support his two children.
“I would be so happy if this whole issue is solved. I’ve been struggling a lot. I just want to be able to support my two kids,” he said.
Nakedi is one of 8.5 million unemployed South Africans. Statistics South Africa recorded an official unemployment rate of 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026.
Pikitup spokesperson Anthony Selepe accepted the memorandum on behalf of the company and said management had not known ActionSA planned to arrive. He said Pikitup would respond within the seven-day deadline set out in the memorandum.
ActionSA also wants details on funding for the posts and Pikitup’s use of temporary and Expanded Public Works Programme workers, and raised concerns about whether the company has enough staff to keep up with waste collection across Johannesburg.
Pictured above: Jobseekers and ActionSA supporters picketed outside Pikitup offices in Braamfontein demanding answers about 400 general worker positions.
Image source: Selloane Ntshonyane
