The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in partnership with Mogale City Local Municipality earlier this month held an insightful two-day Waste to Energy and Circular Economy Indaba at the Avianto Hotel in Mogale City.

Held from 7 – 8 March 2024, the workshop marked a significant step towards sustainable waste management and energy production, drawing from a diverse group of stakeholders, policy makers, environmental lobby groups and informal waste management entrepreneurs. The goal was to encourage dialogue and share advancements in the waste-to-energy sector.

The DFFE has issued licenses to several municipalities and some private companies to ensure that investment opportunities and initiatives are created to produce energy from waste.

Speaking on behalf of Mogale City Municipal Manager, Integrated Environmental Management Executive Manager Madikana Thenga expressed the city’s appreciation for the conference and wished all delegates well for the two-day engagement.

“We are delighted to welcome you all to this auspicious and inaugural Waste-to-Energy and Circular Economy Indaba. As we gather here today, we embark on a crucial journey towards a sustainable future. Our mission is clear, and it is to explore innovative solutions, share knowledge, forge partnerships that will enable us to tackle the pressing challenges of waste management while harnessing the potential of waste as a valuable resource in our pursuit for a circular economy based on sustainable energy solutions. We endeavour to transform waste into valuable resources, protect our environment and build resilient communities.”

With DFFE’s recent licensing of municipalities and private entities to convert waste to energy, the workshop also highlighted Mogale City’s successes as a model for effective policy implementation. This initiative not only aims to enhance energy security but also stimulates economic growth through the creation of new investment opportunities.