The City of Cape Town has reminded residents that Solild Waste personnel are not allowed to ask for Christmas boxes or any other kind of donations.
“Over the past few years, we have received reports of residents being asked, sometimes aggressively, for Christmas boxes or donations. There have also been reports of threats directed towards residents that their refuse will not be collected if the demand for a Christmas box is not met,” said the City’s mayoral committee member for informal settlements, water and waste services; and energy, Xanthea Limberg.
The City has instructed all staff that soliciting for Christmas boxes and donations is prohibited, she said.
“If residents believe that excellent service has been provided, 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. City staff are appropriately remunerated,” she added.
Complaints can be directed to the City via its call centre, which is operational between 8am and 4.30pm and contactable on 0860 103 089. Apart from the date, time and place of the incident, a vehicle registration number should be provided so that the culprits can be identified.
Residents should also be aware that certain opportunists attempt to pose as collections staff at this time of year, said Ms Limberg. If residents suspect that the people who approach them are misrepresenting themselves, the matter should be reported to the South African Police Service.
