WASTE MANAGEMENT
PIKITUP’S CO-PRODUCTION MODEL CREATES EMPLOYMENT
T
he impact of Covid-19 on South Africa’s ailing economy has resulted in a huge loss of jobs. Gauteng, particularly Johannesburg which is the epicenter of economic activity in the country has been adversely affected. The recent Statistics South Africa unemployment rate results bear this point out. However, despite the scientific confirmation of such a fact, one needs to drive around the City to witness firsthand the negative impact of unemployment. The number of people begging or advertising their skills to potential employers is rising unabated. The long winding queues for unemployment insurance and social grants bear testimony to the large scale of unemployment facing the country. Although an atmosphere of despair is pervasive in the country pursuant to unemployment and the outbreak of Covid-19, strides are being taken to address the unemployment challenge. The City of Johannesburg’s waste management company, Pikitup has introduced the co-production model to contribute to efforts aimed at reducing the current 32.5% unemployment rate. The co-production model in essence entails that Pikitup in rendering its waste management and minimization mandate, should do so in conjunction with local communities or residents. This approach gives credence to Pikitup’s long held view that it cannot achieve the highest standards of cleanliness possible without the participation and involvement of local communities.
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Municipal Focus
The co-production model in essence entails that Pikitup in rendering its waste management and minimization mandate, should do so in conjunction with local communities or residents.
The co-production model has created about 2025 jobs in all the regions of the City. In terms of the model, each
ward in the City will be capacitated with 15 Expanded Public Works Programme Employees, who will assist with waste management activities. The model’s approach entails the appointment of co-operatives, nonprofit companies and exempted micro-enterprises, to ensure improved waste management services in the City of Johannesburg. Forty eight (48) of such companies will in turn appoint the above mentioned number of employees on a rotational basis to assist Pikitup with litter picking, street cleaning and rendering
