The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), in collaboration with Fibre Circle, are empowering school learners and communities to become part of the Circular Economy towards a sustainable future.
Other stakeholders which joined the project were the provincial Department of Education, the Ehlanzeni District Municipality and Urban Surfer. These departments and organisations jointly hosted a Mandela Month commemoration event at the Nelsville Community Hall outside Mbombela on July 25; spreading environmental sustainability awareness through innovation in the Waste Management Sector.
The Fibre Circle, through its Zithande Mzansi Initiative (ZMI), partnered with DARDLEA to encourage communities and schools to participate in the green economy by keeping the environment clean through waste collection. The programme also focused on eco toilets, using recycled material from foil layers in liquid board packaging and toothpaste tubes. ZMI is also involved in food security programmes; planting trees and vegetable gardens at schools and households.
Five schools were selected to enter in a competition with the theme: “Turning Waste into Art.” The learners had to showcase creativity and innovation, proving waste can be recycled, upcycled and turned into useful products. The participating schools included the Benjamin and Matsulu Primary Schools, Cyril Clarke Secondary, as well as the Sitfokotile and Sibusisiwe High Schools, all from areas surrounding Mbombela.
The schools were provided with recycling bins and bulk bags, while four SMME’s Buy Back Centres – DL Consulting, Trash-To-Treasure, Untum Recycling and TVK Recyclers – were given recycling packs and trolleys.
