Pikitup’s strategy for a sustainable future

​Pikitup, the City’s waste management entity aims to intensify existing and new programmes to develop a resilient, liveable, and sustainable urban environment, supported by infrastructure for a low-carbon economy. 

The entity also seeks to implement a community-driven approach to waste prevention and minimisation, involving innovative solutions and partnerships with stakeholders to alleviate poverty, inequality, and unemployment. 

The company’s strategic objectives include an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Separation at Source Programme (S@S), Waste Picker Integration Programme, and a War-on-Waste Programme. “Socio-economic benefits include educational value, active citizenship, formal employment opportunities, and SMME development,” says Muzi Mkhwanazi, the entity’s spokesperson.

Mkhwanazi says the EPWP aims to involve communities in service delivery, create jobs, and improve links with the City. The Separation at Source initiative encourages households to separate recyclable and non-recyclable waste, contributing to landfill diversion and sustainable job creation.

“Recognising the role of waste pickers in waste recovery and recycling, the City has integrated waste pickers into its Waste Management System. The waste picker empowerment project aims to provide training, enhance working conditions, and foster partnerships for sustainable waste management,” he explains.

The War-on-Waste Programme seeks to revitalise the inner city through cleaning efforts and stakeholder partnerships. By inviting the private sector to participate, the City aims to create a liveable and sustainable urban environment while raising public awareness of waste management’s importance.

The programme targets youth, women, and previously disadvantaged individuals, promoting economic growth and reducing littering and illegal dumping.

“The inner city is a crucial hub within a sprawling metropolis of multiple centres. However, there are also signs of decline on many fronts. Regardless, the task of transforming the inner city must continue,” he says.

In addition to ongoing initiatives, Pikitup’s 2023-2024 Business Plan emphasises organisational transformation and collaboration with other departments to enhance service delivery across the City.

“We believe that engaging with our counterparts in the service delivery sphere is essential for successful service delivery,” says Mkhwanazi.

He notes that service delivery excellence, flagship programme implementation, communication, and stakeholder engagement are paramount to Pikitup’s business planning and implementation.

“These focus areas are aligned with those of the City of Johannesburg’s 2023-2024 financial year, the four outcomes of the long-term strategy, its objectives and programmes and the Mayoral Priorities,” he adds.

Mkhwanazi says Pikitup’s 2023-2024 Business Plan emphasises organisational transformation to build an effective and efficient entity that delivers world-class services. ​This vision aligns with the entity’s goal of becoming a leading integrated waste management company in Africa and among the best globally.

The entity also aims to inject income and promote commercial activity, particularly benefiting youth, women, and previously disadvantaged people.

“Pikitup has several other projects and initiatives with other departments such as EISD and Public Safety. To be successful in our service delivery, it’s important to engage with our City colleagues to enhance service delivery,” he says.