Residents are advised that the City has a policy that strictly forbids Solid Waste collection personnel and other service personnel from asking residents for ‘Christmas boxes’ and ‘donations’.
“Problems have also arisen where people posing as Council staff have asked for money, sometimes rudely and aggressively. They have also threatened that waste will not be collected if the demand is not met. Council will not tolerate such forceful behavior, even among our own staff and have accordingly instructed all staff that soliciting for ‘Christmas boxes’ and donations is discouraged”, says Alderman Clive Justus, Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services.
If residents believe that excellent service has been given, they are of course at liberty to give a voluntary donation to staff, as a gesture of thanks and goodwill, but under no circumstances should they be approached or solicited for money. Council staff are well paid by industry standards, and all permanent staff receive a 13th cheque at the end of November.
It would be appreciated if residents could report any instances of intimidatory behaviour by Council staff on the call centre number 0860 103 089 during office hours, 08:00 – 16:30. Apart from the date, time and place, the staff identity number and/or vehicle registration number must be provided so that we can identify culprits.
Such reports will be investigated immediately and, where residents are willing to testify, we will be able to prosecute offenders. If it is a person masquerading as an official, please report this to the SAPS.
Martin Pollack
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