The City of Tshwane‘s waste management system is in crisis. A new council report has confirmed serious failures in managing the waste vehicle fleet. Basic fleet controls are being ignored, and this is damaging service delivery across the city.
According to the report, vehicles are not being inspected regularly, and there is widespread vehicle abuse and fuel theft. These issues are especially serious at the waste fuel depot. This lack of control is making it hard for the city to keep its waste services running smoothly.
The report was compiled by Abel Malaka, head of the Environment and Agriculture Management Department. He blamed years of poor maintenance and underinvestment for the collapse of basic services.
Waste Services Falling Apart Due to Neglect
Malaka explained that the city’s waste system is under pressure because of outdated infrastructure and broken-down vehicles. The result is unreliable waste collection, especially in key areas.
To fix the crisis, the National Treasury has introduced a reform plan. It includes rewards for good performance and better decision-making in local government. The reforms are aimed at fixing both the system and the structure of how services are delivered.
The main deadline is July 31, 2025, to reach certain goals. But some city officials doubt the plan will succeed.
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Treasury Reforms Face Doubts from City Officials
The Governance Support Officer (GSO) has raised red flags about the plan. The GSO says that the strategy does not fully address the real causes of poor fleet management. It also fails to link badly maintained landfills with the condition of the vehicles used.
This is a serious gap, as both issues are closely tied together. If the reforms ignore these connections, the city might fail to fix the deeper problems in the system.
Previous Incidents Highlight Ongoing Waste Failures
This crisis is not new. Just two months ago, MMC Obakeng Ramabodu found over 80 workers sitting idle at a Region 3 waste depot. They had no vehicles or tools to work with.
This shows how badly the system has broken down. Without resources, even willing workers cannot perform their duties, and services grind to a halt.
Theft and Misuse of Resources Remains a Problem
Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise recently handed over R11 million worth of horticultural tools to city staff. At the same event, he warned workers against stealing diesel or equipment.
He said such actions would result in serious action by city management. The warning highlights the ongoing issue of internal theft and lack of accountability.
Officials Call for Modern Solutions and Honest Governance
Despite the problems, Ramabodu has expressed cautious hope. He welcomed the National Treasury’s plan and said the city must be open to new ideas that improve waste collection and billing.
He added that the new strategy is not just a local effort. It is part of a broader national push for clean, efficient, and fair waste services. A better billing system is also part of the plan, aiming to reduce errors and boost revenue.
Table: Key Facts About the City of Tshwane Waste Crisis
Issue | Details |
---|---|
Main Problem | Poor vehicle oversight and fuel theft |
Report Author | Abel Malaka, Environment and Agriculture Department |
Strategy Deadline | July 31, 2025 |
Support by | National Treasury |
MMC Concern | Idle workers due to lack of tools and vehicles |
Recent Investment | R11 million in horticultural equipment |
City’s Goal | Better billing and improved waste services |
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Hi, I’m Amandeep Singh, a content writer at Ramnath Intercollage. I share updates on jobs, internships, and scholarships across South Africa using official and trusted sources. My aim is to make every post easy to read and helpful for anyone looking to apply.