PPE Handover Empowers Waste Pickers and Promotes Environmental Awareness in Jouberton
- Karen Scheepers
- Oct 29
- 2 min read
The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, in collaboration with the City of Matlosana Local Municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) Directorate and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), held a ceremonial handover of personal protective equipment (PPE) to local waste pickers on Thursday, 23 October 2025, in Jouberton Extension 16, Thokozani Street, Ward 14.
The initiative forms part of the district’s Waste Management Strategy, designed to empower informal waste pickers by improving workplace safety, fostering environmental awareness, and supporting sustainable income opportunities within the waste-recycling sector.
♻️ Supporting Safe and Sustainable Work Practices
During the event, 60 full sets of PPE, including overalls, gloves, and hats, were distributed to waste pickers from both the local and district areas. The equipment aims to protect workers from occupational hazards while encouraging continued participation in recycling activities that contribute to cleaner neighbourhoods and reduced landfill waste.
Representatives from the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, and the DFFE attended the ceremony, together with community leaders and environmental partners advocating for sustainable development and improved waste-management systems.
🏭 Public-Private Collaboration in Action
Part of the protective gear was sponsored by POLYCO Plastic Company (Pty) Ltd, a Cape Town-based organisation participating in the national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme. The EPR initiative encourages manufacturers, importers, and brand owners to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling through corporate accountability and community partnerships.
This collaboration between government and the private sector underscores a shared commitment to strengthening South Africa’s circular economy while supporting the livelihoods of waste pickers, who play a critical role in environmental conservation and material recovery.
🌱 Building a Greener Future
The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality reaffirmed that initiatives of this nature are central to its goal of fostering a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive local economy. By recognising waste pickers as integral partners in environmental management, the district continues to promote a model of development that balances economic empowerment with ecological responsibility.
The project forms part of broader regional efforts to advance waste-minimisation strategies, reduce pollution, and align local actions with national sustainability goals.
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