Labour Department stops Enoch Mgijima refuse collection fleet

Refuse collection in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality has come to a standstill after the Department of Employment and Labour stopped operations, citing workers operating without basic safety gear.

Department inspectors issued a prohibition notice in terms of Section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, declaring municipal refuse trucks unsafe for operation until adequate personal protective equipment is provided.

The department expressed “grave concern over poor compliance,” noting that neglecting safety violates the legal obligation to maintain a safe working environment.

All municipal refuse trucks are currently parked at the municipal fleet premises, and workers remain idle.

The prohibition notice means collections cannot legally resume until the municipality provides the required PPE and inspectors deem the trucks safe for use.

No timeline has been provided for when services will restart.

In the meantime, households across the municipality have been asked to hold onto their refuse.

The halt affects all areas under Enoch Mgijima, leaving residents uncertain about when regular collection will resume.

“All the trucks are parked and no refuse is being collected throughout the municipality,” one worker told Komani News on condition of anonymity.

Employees claim the refuse collectors are temporary workers who have not been issued PPE. Concerns were also raised about the state of the fleet.

“Some of the trucks are not roadworthy and pose a danger to the workers,” another employee said.

The same worker alleged that, with official trucks grounded, a truck normally used for livestock was used at night to collect refuse.

“I have never seen a truck meant for animals collecting refuse in my entire life,” he added.

The municipality acknowledged the disruption in a notice posted to its official Facebook page. It confirmed delays in the refuse removal service and advised residents not to put out their refuse until the issue is resolved.

“The matter is being addressed, and an update will be issued in due course. We apologise for the inconvenience caused,” the notice read.

By the time of publishing, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa had not responded to questions sent to him.