Stink left at Pikitup
USAASA CEO Zami Nkosi resigned from his job as managing director of waste management company Pikitup in April 2011 amid calls for his head by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu). Several board members, including his Pikitup chairman, Phumla Radebe, quit soon after.
Radebe became Usaasa chairman in September last year after being appointed by former communications minister Dina Pule. Nkosi allegedly used her as a reference in his application for the Usaasa post, but she did not recuse herself from the appointment process.
Samwu alleged corruption and nepotism at Pikitup, claims that were investigated by Ernst & Young two years ago. The report found that “high-ranking” officials, whom the City of Johannesburg did not name, had flouted supplychain management laws and policies in awarding some contracts, including: ý Fleet management; ý Street cleaning in the inner city; ý Internal technology solutions; ý The provision of refuse removal and ancillary services for illegal dumping; and
The provision, operation and maintenance of plant and equipment.
Although Matshidiso Mfikoe, a member of the Johannesburg mayoral council and political head of Pikitup, confirmed receiving the report last October, it has not been made public.
Samwu Gauteng provincial organiser Menzi Luthuli said the union had asked Pikitup to release the report, but the request was refused.