Waste Reduction Efforts in Northern Cape Leads to Collection of 452 Tons of Waste and 189 Tons Recycled

The Impact Catalyst, through the Social Employment Fund Programme, has collaborated with the Department of Trade Industry & Competition (DTIC), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and mining partners such as Kumba Iron Ore and Assmang to reduce waste generation in the Northern Cape through waste collection and recycling initiatives. To date, this collaboration has resulted in the collection of 452 tons of waste, with 189 tons recycled.?

“Waste management is a challenge in the Northern Cape region. As an organisation driving collaborative large-scale initiatives, we partnered with the public and private sectors to implement waste management programmes. Our goal is to foster a circular economy that local community members can participate in, preserve the natural beauty and environmental integrity of the Northern Cape, particularly in regions such as Postmasburg, Kathu, and Kuruman,” said Rhiyaan Cupido.

Many rural communities in the Northern Cape lack access to proper waste collection and disposal services, leading to indiscriminate dumping and environmental pollution. Limited public education on waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal practices exacerbates the problem, contributing to littering and pollution. Another identified stumbling block is the lack of waste transportation and management which equally hinders efficient waste solutions.?

In response to these challenges, the Impact Catalyst and its partners have appointed 1,077 participants to drive waste collection and recycling in the Gamagara, Tsantsabane, Joe Morolong, and Ga-Segonyana local municipalities.?

The appointed participants are community members of these regions who were unemployed and range between the ages of 18 and 60 years. Through the IDC and the co-funding received from Assmang and Kumba Iron Ore, they earn a monthly salary, which helps meet their daily needs and feed their families.?

Additionally, as part of the Waste Management Programme, the Impact Catalyst has also partnered with four black local Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from each of the municipal districts previously mentioned to establish the Waste Integration Programme, which will be responsible for kick-starting a community-led circular economy.?

“The appointed SMMEs will champion the baseline assessment of the waste economy value chain in the respective districts. The key focus will be on understanding the current status quo of waste pickers and waste beneficiation. Thereafter, with the assistance of the Impact Catalyst and its partners, participants will be recruited and will receive exposure to waste management and safety, health, environment, and quality (SHEQ)training.”?

Beyond championing baseline assessments and developing and planning for the implementation of the Waste Integration Programme, the four appointed SMMEs will also take on the responsibility of supervising site activities, ensuring project deliverables are executed well, and maintaining SHEQ and waste management principles.?

“As an organisation that is a catalyst for implementing large-scale initiatives, we are utilising waste management to promote economic growth, empower local SMMEs to contribute to the establishment of a local circular economy and equip local community members with the right skills to actively participate in this economy. Through each initiative established, we want to see local community members take full ownership,” emphasised Chief Executive Officer of the Impact Catalyst, Charl Harding.?

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