Formalising and integrating informal waste reclaimers into its recycling programme is a leap that Mogale City and eWASA took when 25 registered local waste reclaimers received trolleys and bulk bags. The trolleys are fitted with a trailer, brakes and reflectors, replacing their rickety makeshift inventions.
In the true spirit of reducing waste to landfill sites and creating waste-preneurs, the municipality’s Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) together with eWASA are providing reclaimers training in recycling and are in the process of assessing requirements for infrastructure and resources to manage waste effectively for the purpose of driving recycling projects.
IEM Executive Manager Madikana Thenga said the ground-breaking partnership advocates for collaboration to drive waste management and recycling programmes that will bring forth entrepreneurship, new jobs and opportunities that will uplift the youth, women and people living with disabilities.
eWASA Regional Brand Ambassador and Municipal Projects Manager Dumisani equally expressed with gratification with the partnership. “Our goal is to extend relationships that will protect our environment and create opportunities out of waste. We also want to capacitate waste pickers as they are an important thread in the waste industry; seeing them being recognised within the country’s economic space delights us.”
Thus far, eWASA has contributed over R1,1 million on recycling containers, personal protective equipment, trolleys, and bulk bags. Additionally, 36 permanent jobs were created at the Luipaardsvlei Landfill Site through this initiative.