I have noted the various statements made by interested parties and stakeholders with regard to the alleged privatisation of Pikitup.

At this early point in time it would be premature of me to pronounce any approach to sorting out the deep-rooted problems at Pikitup. We need to be very careful in the process we choose to follow because at the end of the day we want what is best for the people of Johannesburg. In this instance that means excellent service delivery and ensuring job losses are not a by-product of any decisions that my administration makes.

During the past seven months of the campaign, I was approached by residents from all corners of our city, from Soweto to Midrand and Orange Farm to Alex who had serious concerns about the state of Pikitup and its ability to deliver on its mandate.

During these interactions I promised residents of this City that I would take their concerns seriously, and if elected Mayor, I would investigate this entity and look for solutions that would be in the best interests of all stakeholders.

For years, Pikitup has been plagued with systemic problems that have prevented it from fulfilling its duty to keep Johannesburg clean. This is something that has to be addressed and I am committed to doing so. 

With the support of our newly appointed MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Anthony Still, I wish to follow an inclusive process of assessment and consultation with all stakeholders to determine what is in the best interests of all.

This process of assessment and consultation will be conducted transparently and in good faith, and must include trade unions.

During this process, I am committed to two central pillars. Firstly, the delivery of better services to the residents of this City, and secondly, the protection and promotion of jobs. Any outcome must be centred on these two pillars.

It would be ill-advised and irresponsible to enter this process with a predetermined outcome and I would like to affirm that there is currently no plan to privatise Pikitup.

It should also be noted that I am aware of the very serious accusations levelled against the MD of Pikitup, Amanda Nair, which cannot be ignored. There is an on-going disciplinary hearing taking place. I am confident in the process being followed and hope that it is expedited so that this matter can be concluded in the best interests of the residents of this City and Pikitup as a whole.

Lastly, I need to ask the people of Johannesburg for patience. It is going to take time to correct years of mismanagement and decay in Johannesburg. We need to start from scratch and step by step build an inclusive City that we can all be proud of.