In the east of Pretoria, frustration is mounting among motorists and residents over the disruptions caused by trolley pushers along major routes such as Garsfontein Road and De Villebois Mareuil Drive. This issue has sparked debate around public safety, environmental concerns, and the socio-economic struggles of the individuals involved.

Trolley Pushers: Struggle for Survival

Trolley pushers are primarily unemployed and homeless individuals who rely on collecting recyclable materials to make a living. By salvaging items such as plastic, tins, and glass from public bins and dumping sites, they earn an income to support themselves and their families. However, their efforts to survive have led them to use public roads, creating significant challenges for motorists and posing safety hazards for all road users.

Residents have expressed concern over the trolley pushers’ hazardous actions, which often include veering into roadways and disrupting traffic flow. These individuals frequently navigate their trolleys through heavy traffic, sometimes against the flow of vehicles, to reach recycling centers in areas like Plastic View and Cemetery View.

Traffic and Safety Risks

Motorists report that the presence of trolley pushers on busy roads has made driving increasingly dangerous. During peak hours, drivers are forced to dodge overloaded trolleys that block lanes and intersections. Moreleta Park resident Deirdre van Helsdingen described her experience:

“On waste removal days, it’s particularly difficult to drive along Garsfontein Road and De Villebois Mareuil Drive. You have to drive cautiously and dodge trolleys everywhere. It feels like they are not afraid of vehicles at all,” she said.

Van Helsdingen also noted that trolley pushers contribute to illegal dumping. After sorting through waste, they often burn leftover materials, releasing smoke and posing significant fire risks.

Environmental and Crime Concerns

The environmental impact of the trolley pushers’ activities extends beyond illegal dumping. Burning discarded waste not only pollutes the air but also increases the likelihood of fires, particularly in dry weather conditions.

Shawn Fouché, a spokesperson for Welriet NPC and LS4, highlighted another aspect of the issue: crime. According to Fouché, some trolley pushers sleep on the streets near residential areas, raising concerns about safety and providing potential cover for criminal activities.

“Beyond the traffic disruptions, having people sleep on the streets near residences creates an unsafe environment. These trolleys are also not roadworthy, often forcing cars to overtake in unsafe conditions, risking accidents,” Fouché said.

Overloaded and Unsafe

One of the main concerns about trolley pushers is the lack of control over their heavily loaded carts. Many of the trolleys are poorly constructed or overloaded, making them difficult to steer. In some cases, they block sidewalks, forcing pedestrians and schoolchildren to walk on the road, further escalating safety risks.

Fouché pointed out the dangers of their presence during early morning hours. “Trolley pushers often start their work before sunrise, without any reflective gear or lights. Combined with the lack of streetlights in some areas, it becomes nearly impossible for drivers to see them until it’s too late,” she explained.

Calls for Action

Residents and motorists are calling on the Tshwane Metro to take immediate action. They want stricter enforcement of traffic and waste management by-laws to address the dangers posed by trolley pushers. The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has acknowledged the problem and stated that it is working to discourage unsafe activities by ensuring compliance with existing regulations.

While the struggles of trolley pushers reflect the harsh realities of poverty, unemployment, and homelessness, the disruptions they cause cannot be ignored. Finding a solution that balances the needs of vulnerable individuals with the safety and well-being of the broader community is critical.

A Way Forward

Residents have suggested measures such as creating designated recycling zones away from busy roads, providing reflective vests or lights to trolley pushers, and increasing waste management services to reduce reliance on informal recycling.

For now, the tension continues, as residents and motorists alike hope for meaningful intervention that addresses both the socio-economic challenges of trolley pushers and the urgent need for public safety.

This complex issue highlights the intersection of economic hardship, urban development, and community safety—one that requires collaboration between residents, local authorities, and social organizations to resolve effectively.