By Tammy O'Reilly
THE "Christmas Box", where for the past 40 years refuse collectors have collected gifts or money from customers along their routes during the festive season, has been banned.
Pikitup, Johannesburg's waste management service provider, is urging residents and business not to pay "Christmas Boxes".
The service provider has discouraged employees from continuing the tradition. "We have spoken to the unions and their members have agreed to refrain from asking residents for 'Christmas Box' donations," said Pikitup spokesperson Marius de Villiers.
Bonuses would be given during November to workers instead.
Pikitup discontinued the tradition last year, after receiving numerous complaints from residents saying impostors claiming to be Pikitup employees were demanding money and gifts. Such complaints were "bad for a company that is trying to maintain a professional image", De Villiers said.
Investigations found that letters were being printed on fraudulent letterheads requesting residents give refuse collectors money, gifts or liquor. Residents even complained that refuse collectors were harassing them if they were not given gifts.
However, although Pikitup discouraged residents from handing out a "Christmas Box", they could not force residents to stop the 40-year tradition altogether, De Villiers added.
Residents are requested to report any problems regarding requests for a "Christmas Box" to the Pikitup call centre on 011 712 5200.
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