1. Executive Summary
MetPac-SA successfully hosted a Wellness Day Celebration on 21 May 2026 at Yellowwood Park Community Hall. The event was organised to recognise and celebrate waste pickers within the waste management sector while promoting health, wellness, empowerment, and environmental awareness.
The programme featured an environmental education session facilitated by eThekwini Municipality, health screenings conducted by the Department of Health, and wellness spa treatments.
The health screenings were particularly important as waste pickers are regularly exposed to various occupational health risks while handling waste materials. Services provided included blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, diabetes screening, HIV/AIDS testing and counselling, and pap smears. Through these initiatives, MetPac-SA demonstrated its commitment to prioritising the health and wellbeing of waste pickers.
The event commenced with the registration of all attendees, facilitated by MetPac-SA interns, who ensured that participants were welcomed and comfortably seated. The programme was officially opened by MetPac-SA Project Manager, Khosi Mbatha, who welcomed all waste pickers, representatives from eThekwini Municipality, and Department of Health officials in attendance.
The Wellness Day aligned with MetPac-SA’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) strategy and its ongoing commitment to empowering and uplifting waste pickers, particularly women in the sector. The initiative created meaningful impact by promoting community wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
Overall, the Wellness Day was positively received by attendees and contributed towards strengthening morale, promoting healthy lifestyles, and reinforcing the importance of waste minimisation and environmental stewardship.
2. Introduction
Dr Ravi from MetPac-SA officially welcomed all guests and introduced the organisation, highlighting MetPac-SA’s EPR commitment. He further explained the infinite recyclability of metal packaging and outlined the diverse types of metal packaging available in the market.
Dr Ravi also delivered an inspiring message of encouragement to the women present, emphasising the important role women play in society and within the waste management sector. His address motivated attendees to remain hopeful and resilient in their personal and professional journeys.
The event underscored the importance of prioritising mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing while simultaneously creating awareness around environmental sustainability and waste minimisation practices.
The programme was designed to acknowledge the valuable contributions made by women in the waste management industry and to provide practical wellness support through educational talks and health-related services.
3. Objectives of the Wellness Day
- Promote health and wellness among participants.
- Celebrate and empower women within the waste management sector.
- Encourage awareness of environmental sustainability and waste minimisation.
- Provide access to health screening and wellness services.
- Strengthen morale, teamwork, and community engagement.
4. Event Programme Overview
The event commenced at 09h00 with registrations and continued throughout the day with several informative and wellness-focused activities.
The programme included:
- Opening prayer and singing of the national anthem.
- Welcome address by the MetPac-SA Project Manager.
- Motivational and environmental awareness talks delivered by guest speakers.
- Health and wellness presentations.
- Waste minimisation awareness discussions.
- Health screenings conducted by Department of Health nurses.
- Spa treatments and wellness sessions.
- Closing remarks and departure.
The programme successfully created a balanced combination of education, empowerment, and wellness activities, encouraging active participation throughout the day.
5. Key Presentations and Sessions
5.1 Motivational Session by Women Empowerment Specialist, Tina Madondo
Mrs Tina Madondo delivered a powerful motivational talk focused on hope, resilience, and perseverance. She encouraged waste pickers to remain committed to their dreams despite challenging circumstances.
Her session emphasised the strength, resilience, and value of women in society. She also highlighted the importance of self-care, self-prioritisation, and self-celebration, particularly for women who work tirelessly to sustain and protect the environment.
5.2 Health Talk by Yolanda Botha, Senior Education Manager – Department of Health
Ms Yolanda Botha delivered an informative health presentation focused on the importance of maintaining good health and practising proper hygiene, particularly regular handwashing.
She stressed the importance of routine health screenings in preventing and managing diseases and encouraged attendees to take full advantage of the health services and free counselling provided by the Department of Health nurses.
Health screenings conducted during the event enabled participants to access basic health assessments and receive valuable wellness advice. The spa and wellness sessions also contributed positively towards stress relief and relaxation.
5.3 Environmental Education Talk by Emelda Mkhulisi – eThekwini Municipality DSW
Ms Emelda Mkhulisi delivered an educational presentation on environmental sustainability and the importance of waste minimisation.
She commended the waste pickers for their exceptional contribution towards maintaining cleaner communities and emphasised the critical role waste recyclers play within the waste management sector.
She further highlighted that waste management is everyone’s responsibility and remains essential for building a more sustainable future.
5.4 Environmental Awareness Talk by Mrs Zodwa Msweli – Department of Parks
Mrs Zodwa Msweli spoke about the importance of protecting and maintaining public parks and the broader environment. Her presentation encouraged attendees to continue playing an active role in preserving natural spaces and promoting environmental care within their communities.
5.5 Spa Treatments and Wellness Sessions
The spa treatments and wellness sessions formed an important part of the Wellness Day programme, providing waste pickers with an opportunity to relax, unwind, and prioritise self-care. Participants received a variety of therapeutic treatments, including head, neck, shoulder, feet, and Indian head massages.
These treatments contributed significantly towards stress relief, relaxation, and overall emotional wellbeing. Given the physically demanding nature of waste picking, the wellness sessions provided much-needed comfort and rejuvenation for attendees who often spend long hours performing strenuous work under challenging conditions.
The spa experience also reinforced the importance of self-care and mental wellness, ensuring that the women felt appreciated, valued, and celebrated for their important contribution to environmental sustainability and community cleanliness.
6. Outcomes and Benefits
- Improved morale and motivation among participants.
- Increased awareness of health and wellness practices.
- Greater understanding of waste minimisation and environmental sustainability.
- Enhanced organisational culture and team cohesion.
- Positive community engagement and stakeholder participation.
The event also strengthened MetPac-SA’s reputation as an organisation committed to employee wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
The event was also attended by previous MetPac-SA Chairman of the Board, Mark Helfriech, who expressed his appreciation for the initiative and commended MetPac-SA on hosting a successful and impactful event that recognised and celebrated waste pickers within the sector.
7. Conclusion
The MetPac-SA Wellness Day Celebration was a successful and impactful event that achieved its primary objectives of promoting wellness, empowerment, and environmental awareness.
The programme created a positive and engaging environment for participants while reinforcing MetPac-SA’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of waste recyclers and advancing sustainable environmental practices.
The success of the event highlights the importance of continued wellness initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering waste recyclers across South Africa.
