The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) hosted a pivotal Waste Management Workshop on 29 May 2025 at the Diakonia Centre in Durban Central. The workshop brought together about 80 stakeholders from various sectors in the KZN recycling space to share knowledge, promote sustainable waste practices, and strengthen community participation in environmental stewardship.
Date: 29 May 2025
Venue: Diakonia Centre, Durban Central
Organised by: South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA)
Nhlanhla Mchunu of Mpact opened the formal presentations by outlining Mpact’s corporate perspective on waste management and recycling. He highlighted their ongoing work in closing the loop through recycling initiatives and emphasised the vital role of collaboration between producers, recyclers, and communities to achieve circular economy goals. Next, Thembelihle Mazibuko of eThekwini’s Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) department spoke about the role of waste pickers in Durban, who form the backbone of local recycling efforts. She advocated formal recognition of waste pickers’ contributions and called for better support systems, safety measures, and effective national waste picker integration. Sibusiso Swalibane, Chairman of the South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA), KZN region, delivered a presentation on the work of SAWPA in KZN, focusing on capacity building, cooperative models, and advocacy for the rights and dignity of waste reclaimers. His talk reinforced the need for structured engagement with informal waste pickers and encouraged them to join SAWPA as members.
Dr. Kishan Singh from MetPac-SA then presented a national outlook on the recycling of metal packaging. He explained MetPac-SA’s role as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act and discussed the organisation’s initiatives in supporting sustainable waste diversion, public awareness, and compliance with EPR regulations. Dr. Singh further highlighted the South African Waste Picker Registration System (SAWPRS 2.0) and encouraged waste pickers to register on this system, enabling them to receive Waste Picker service fee payments. Additionally, registration on SAWPRS 2.0 results in waste pickers being issued with registration cards PostNet Suite #555, Private Bag X10, Elarduspark, 0047 EPR Registration Number: 19/7/5/P/PRO/20210720/005
Kishan Singh (CEO) – Board of Directors: Mark Helfrich (Chair), Ntsako Baloyi, Muhammed Darsot, Don McFarlane, Riccardo Benedetti, Karen-Dawn Koen, David Kramer, Molatelo Motau.
validating their roles within the local communities, opening greater opportunities for waste picking. Translation into isiZulu was provided by Mvuzo Ntombela to assist members of the crowd.
The Zero Waste Team then shared insights into their work promoting community-level zero waste practices. Their presentation highlighted local initiatives in waste reduction, composting, and public education that aim to shift behaviour and reduce landfill dependency. The session transitioned into a panel discussion and Q&A, where all presenters engaged directly with participants. Issues raised included the need for policy enforcement, inclusive planning, and sustained community education. To close the workshop, the SDCEA team handed out recycling equipment to local reclaimers and organisations as a practical step to empower those involved in frontline recycling efforts.
