Event Overview & Purpose
On 20 August 2026, the Environmental and Waste Management Unit within the Department of Social and Community Service hosted a Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO) Workshop at Ward 02, St Faiths Hall in Umzumbe Local Municipality. The workshop brought together representatives from government departments, local municipalities, PROs, environmental groups, and recycling stakeholders to improve waste management, promote source separation, and build strong Producer Responsibility partnerships.
Opening & Administrative Keynotes
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Municipal Welcome: Mr. MC Hlongwa (Umzumbe Local Municipality) opened the event, emphasising the importance of cross-sector collaboration to address municipal waste management challenges.
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Opening Remarks: Mrs. TH Luthuli highlighted the event’s purpose: creating platforms to increase the recovery of recyclable materials and strengthen long-term municipal-PRO ties.
Key Speaker Presentations
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Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA): Ms. N. Sibisi provided a governmental perspective on aligning municipal waste diversion with national environmental goals through inter-agency coordination.
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MetPac-SA: Miss Khosi Mbatha (Project Manager) presented on post-consumer metal packaging, emphasizing its infinite recyclability, value within South Africa’s circular economy, and the need to divert metal away from landfills.
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Fibre Circle: Mr. Moses Kekana discussed paper and cardboard recycling, detailing the value chain and the role played by municipalities, communities, and waste pickers in boosting recovery rates.
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Umzumbe Municipal Initiatives: Ms. Yandiza Tshezi showcased local community-driven waste projects, including the creation of eco-bricks from plastic containers and upcycled artwork made from recyclable materials.
Stakeholder Support & Waste Picker Integration
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PPE Handover: MetPac-SA provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) directly to local waste pickers to promote safer working conditions and formally recognise their crucial role in diverting recyclable materials from landfills.
Conclusion
The workshop established that sustainable waste management requires coordinated support across the entire value chain—from municipalities and PROs to local communities and waste pickers. The event successfully combined education, knowledge sharing, and direct practical support to build cleaner, more sustainable communities.
