The report covers the MetPac-SA Women’s Day Event, held on 7 August 2026 at the Ukhozi Conference Centre in Durban, South Africa. The event brought together stakeholders across the waste management sector—including industry leaders, waste pickers, buy-back center owners, municipal officials, and educators—to commemorate the contribution of women in recycling and environmental sustainability.
Key Event Highlights
- Keynote Address (Makgabo Van Niekerk, Executive Director of the PRO Alliance): Focused on empowering women throughout the recycling value chain and highlighting their role as job creators and agents of change. She commended MetPac-SA’s enterprise development efforts and acknowledged MetPac-SA CEO Dr. Kishan Singh for his work in integrating waste pickers into the formal system.
- Stakeholder Insights & Testimonials:
- Lindiwe Cele (Owner, Manaza Buy-Back Centre): Shared her personal journey from waste picker to business owner, illustrating the potential for transformation and job creation in the sector.
- eThekwini Municipality & Industry Leaders: Councillor Maggie and Nancy (CEO, Recycling Association) delivered messages reinforcing the resilience of women and the importance of cross-sector partnerships.
- Community & School Engagement: Teachers from Ningizimu Special Needs School highlighted their Eco Recycling Club’s work in teaching source separation to learners.
- Industry & Social Recognition: Representatives from SAWPA’s Save a Life Save a Nation Buy-Back Centre attended, while MetPac-SA Project Manager Khosi Mbatha praised women for their vital role in driving waste minimisation across South Africa.
Core Themes & Takeaways The report concludes that women are vital drivers of the circular economy. It stresses the need for continued investment, enterprise development, and sustained collaboration between PROs, local government, buy-back centers, and waste pickers.
