'Jozi@work responsible for JHB mess'
The City of Joburg is blaming former Jozi@Work employees for the trashing of the inner-city.
The City of Joburg's Tanya Heydenrych says the workers took to the streets after they were told there are no vacancies at Pikitup.
"I spoke to the managers from Pikitup, who informed me that it is the former Jozi @Work employees who went to the Pikitup offices demanding to be reinstated."
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Heydenrych says staff are being intimidated by former Jozi@Work employees, making it difficult for Pikitup to do its work.
"So when they see our workers coming to clean that particular area, they intimidate them. They also have people bringing in trucks to help them litter, so it is an extensive problem,' Heydenrych explains.
The City of Joburg has roped in the services of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to allow workers to clean the inner-city.
"Pikitup is meeting with JMPD officers at specific points and then officials are escorted by JMPD to help clean the mess," says Heydenrych.
The city says it is working to identify the individuals behind the trashing of the inner-city.