By Levy Masiteng
Bukelwa Njingolo is a purpose-driven leader committed to advancing public service and environmental sustainability.
As the Managing Director of Pikitup, Johannesburg’s primary waste management company, she is responsible for driving the city’s vision of a clean, safe, and liveable urban environment.
With a strong background in community engagement and environmental sustainability, Njingolo holds a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership from the University of South Africa. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Higher Diploma in Education from Fort Hare University.
Njingolo has been instrumental in transforming Pikitup into a leading player in the waste management sector.
Her leadership style is collaborative, inclusive, and performance-driven, which inspires her team to achieve excellence in service delivery.
“My journey to becoming the Managing Director of Pikitup has been both purpose-driven and people-centred,” Njingolo says.
“I have always been deeply passionate about public service and about creating systems that enable people to live with dignity in clean, safe and sustainable environments.”
Under her leadership, Pikitup has prioritised operational efficiency, waste diversion, and behavioural change.
The company is planning to implement innovative solutions, including smart technologies, GPS-based fleet tracking, and digital route optimisation, to improve waste management services.
“We are integrating waste management planning into urban development, ensuring that new housing, commercial and industrial zones have sustainable collection and recycling solutions built in from the start,” Njingolo explains.
“Our goal is to shift Johannesburg from a ‘collect and dispose’ model to a circular economy that values waste as a resource.”
She is committed to stakeholder engagement, working closely with ward councillors, community-based organisations, industry associations, and government departments to co-create solutions.
“Stakeholder engagement is at the heart of everything we do,” she says. “We work together to align our services with the evolving needs of residents and businesses.”
The company has also launched initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce waste, including the separation-at-source programme, waste-to-energy initiatives, and partnerships with industry partners to promote extended producer responsibility and circular value chains.
“We aim to reach 30% recycling in the medium term by investing in infrastructure, incentives, and partnerships that make recycling accessible and rewarding,” Njingolo says.
“Our investment in waste-to-energy and renewable technologies will further reduce emissions and landfill dependency.”
Njingolo is proud of the company’s contributions to the City of Johannesburg’s goals and objectives, enabling public health, environmental resilience, and economic opportunity.
“As the city grows, Pikitup will continue to lead innovation in waste management, champion green jobs, and build the foundations for a cleaner and more circular urban economy.”
When she was the COO of City Parks and Zoo, Njingolo was presented with a “Transformation Champion” gong on behalf of the entity at the 18th Annual Oliver Empowerment Awards. The award acknowledges exemplary contributions that drive equity and economic empowerment in the public and private sectors.
“My passion for public service and environmental sustainability drives me to lead Pikitup with purpose and integrity,” she says.
“I believe that together, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for Johannesburg and beyond.”
A previous version of this article misstated Bukelwa Njingolo’s qualifications. We regret the error.
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