1. Introduction
On 10 July 2026, MetPac-SA successfully hosted a Mens Wellness Day Celebration at the Yellowwood Park Community Hall in celebration of Nelson Mandela Month. The event was dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contribution of waste recyclers who play a critical role in environmental sustainability and community cleanliness.
The Mens Wellness Day was attended by SAWPA male waste pickers from Verulam and Umlazi. The wellness day formed part of MetPac-SA’s commitment to supporting the health, well-being and empowerment of waste recyclers while promoting dignity, appreciation and social inclusion within the waste management sector. The programme brought together government representatives, municipal officials, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, community organizations and waste recyclers for a day focused on wellness, education and recognition.
2. Objectives
The objectives of the Wellness Day were to:
- Promote the physical and mental well-being of male waste recyclers.
- Provide free health screening and wellness services.
- Educate participants on recycling, waste minimization and environmental sustainability.
- Recognize the important contribution of waste recyclers to South Africa’s circular economy.
- Strengthen partnerships between government, industry and community organizations. Celebrate Nelson Mandela Month by giving back to those who serve communities every day.
3. Opening Ceremony
The programme commenced with registration, followed by an opening prayer and the singing of the National Anthem led by Mr. Sibusiso Dumisa from the Save a Life Buy Back Centre.
Guests were officially welcomed by Dr Ravi Nadar, Sustainability Manager at MetPac-SA, who outlined the purpose of the Wellness Day and reaffirmed MetPac-SA’s commitment to supporting waste recyclers through education, industry partnerships and community development initiatives.
Dr Nadar emphasized that waste recyclers are key contributors to South Africa’s circular economy and that their dedication deserves recognition, support and investment.
4. Inspirational Journey
One of the highlights of the morning was an inspiring presentation by Mr. Sibusiso Dumisa, who shared his personal journey from being a waste recycler to becoming the owner of the Save a Life Buy Back Centre.
His testimony demonstrated how determination, entrepreneurship and support from the recycling industry can create opportunities for economic empowerment and community upliftment. His story motivated many attendees and reinforced the value of the recycling sector as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods.
5. Educational Presentations
The programme featured several informative presentations focusing on environmental sustainability and community development.
Mr. Lindokuhle Zulu delivered an engaging presentation on the importance of educating learners about recycling. He highlighted the role that schools and young people play in developing responsible environmental practices and fostering a culture of recycling from an early age.
Miss Yolanda Botha from the Department of Health presented an informative session on maintaining good health, encouraging preventative healthcare, regular health screenings and healthy lifestyle choices.
A representative from the Department of Health followed with an insightful discussion on mental health, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being, stress management and seeking assistance when needed.
These presentations provided valuable information that empowered attendees with practical knowledge to improve both their personal health and their environmental impact.
6. Health and Wellness Services
A key component of the Wellness Day was the provision of free health and wellness services to waste recyclers by the Department of Health.
The Department of Health team was led by Miss Yolanda Botha who ensured that all medical nurses were sufficient and ready to offer all health checks. The department of health was well equipped with all the necessary medical equipment to conduct all health checks for the waste pickers. All treatments were conducted in a private area which facilitated confidentiality and professionalism for all waste pickers.
Healthcare professionals from the Department of Health conducted health screenings and wellness assessments throughout the morning. Participants received basic medical checks and health advice, allowing many to access preventative healthcare services that are not always readily available.
The wellness services reflected MetPac-SA’s commitment to supporting the overall well-being of waste recyclers beyond environmental initiatives, recognizing that healthy individuals are better equipped to contribute positively to their communities and livelihoods.
Health Checks Rendered To All Male Waste Pickers:
- BP testing and councelling
- TB testing and councelling
- Sugar diabetes testing and councelling
- HIV testing and councelling
- Mental councelling
- Condom distribution
7. Keynote Address
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Kgauta Mokoena, Chief Director: Chemicals and Waste Policy, Specialist Monitoring Services at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
Mr. Mokoena acknowledged the significant contribution made by waste recyclers in supporting South Africa’s waste management system and circular economy. He highlighted the importance of recognizing their role in diverting recyclable materials from landfill, improving recycling rates and protecting the environment.
He further encouraged continued collaboration between government, municipalities, Producer Responsibility Organizations, industry and waste recyclers to strengthen recycling systems and create more sustainable livelihoods for those working within the sector.
His address was well received and served as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and supporting South Africa’s environmental champions.
8. Waste Management and Registration Sessions
Representatives from eThekwini Municipality delivered a presentation on waste minimization, encouraging communities to reduce waste generation through responsible consumption, separation at source and increased recycling.
The South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA) conducted a waste recycler registration session, providing information on the benefits of registration and the support available to organized waste recyclers.
These sessions strengthened awareness of available opportunities and reinforced the importance of integrating waste recyclers into South Africa’s formal waste management system.
9. MetPac-SA Presentation
The afternoon programmed featured a presentation by Dr Kishan Singh, Chief Executive Officer of MetPac-SA, on the infinite recyclability of metal packaging.
The presentation demonstrated how steel and aluminum packaging can be recycled repeatedly without any loss of quality, making metal one of the world’s most sustainable packaging materials. Participants also learned about MetPac-SA’s ongoing initiatives to improve metal packaging recovery rates, support waste recyclers and contribute towards South Africa’s circular economy objectives.
The presentation reinforced the critical role that waste recyclers play in ensuring valuable metal packaging remains within the recycling value chain.
10. Community and Environmental Engagement
Representatives from My HomeTown Events and Phoenix for the Planet showcased community-based environmental initiatives that encourage active citizen participation in protecting the environment.
The presentations highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships in building cleaner neighborhoods, reducing litter and illegal dumping, and promoting responsible waste management practices throughout local communities.
11. Wellness Treatments
The afternoon concluded with wellness treatments provided by the eThekwini Health Spa.
Treatments Offered Were:
- Back neck and shoulder massage
- Hand massage
- Leg and foot massage
Participants enjoyed various wellness therapies designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. These treatments were warmly received and added a meaningful personal touch to the day’s programme, reinforcing the event’s focus on caring for those who work tirelessly to keep communities clean.
12. Entertainment and Hospitality
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed musical entertainment, which created a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere while providing opportunities for relaxation and social interaction between programme sessions.
Lunch and refreshments were served to all participants, allowing stakeholders from government, industry, community organizations and waste recyclers to network, engage and strengthen relationships in an informal setting.
The combination of entertainment, hospitality and meaningful engagement contributed to the overall success of the Wellness Day and reinforced the spirit of appreciation and recognition that the event sought to promote.
13. Event Outcomes
The Wellness Day successfully achieved its objectives by:
- Promoting the health and well-being of male waste recyclers through free health screenings and wellness services.
- Raising awareness of mental health and preventative healthcare.
- Recognising the invaluable contribution of waste recyclers to environmental sustainability and the circular economy.
- Providing educational presentations on recycling, waste minimization and sustainable waste management.
- Strengthening partnerships between government departments, municipalities, Producer Responsibility Organizations and community organizations.
- Encouraging participation in waste recycler registration initiatives through SAWPA.
- Increasing awareness of the infinite recyclability of metal packaging and its environmental benefits.
- Celebrating Nelson Mandela Month by giving back to individuals whose daily work contributes to cleaner communities and a healthier environment.
14. Conclusion
The MetPac-SA Wellness Day Celebration was a resounding success and demonstrated the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting waste recyclers both socially and economically. By combining health services, educational presentations, motivational speakers and stakeholder engagement, the event provided meaningful value to participants while recognizing the essential role waste recyclers play in protecting South Africa’s environment.
The Wellness Day embodied the spirit of Nelson Mandela Month by honoring individuals whose daily work often goes unnoticed yet contributes significantly to cleaner communities, increased recycling and a more sustainable future.
MetPac-SA extends its sincere appreciation to all presenters, partners, healthcare professionals, government departments, municipalities, community organizations and every waste recycler who attended and contributed to making the event a memorable and impactful occasion. Through continued collaboration and investment in people, MetPac-SA remains committed to advancing the circular economy while improving the lives and well-being of those at the heart of South Africa’s recycling sector.
