In a momentous stride towards enhancing waste management practices and driving the circular economy in South Africa, The EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA). As a pioneering environmental nonprofit, WESSA is dedicated to advocating for sustainable solutions, conservation, championing policy initiatives, and promoting environmental awareness that leads to a healthier planet.
At the core of this groundbreaking partnership lies a shared commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of waste and promoting sustainable practices within communities. eWASA, renowned for its championship of responsible waste management practices across the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), Lighting, and Paper and Packaging sectors, recognises the potential to effect lasting change through education and awareness. eWASA will support and assist WESSA in the implementation of comprehensive environmental education initiatives that target learners, teachers, and communities through its acclaimed Eco-Schools Programme.
“This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to ushering in a future where responsible waste management and circular economy principles thrive,” states Helena Atkinson, CEO of WESSA. “We firmly believe that empowering our youth with environmental knowledge and instilling a deep-rooted ethos of sustainability is pivotal to achieving this vision.”
Central to this transformative endeavour is the collaboration between eWASA and WESSA. WESSA will spearhead the implementation of the waste management project through its Eco-Schools Programme across ten (10) schools in the Western Cape and ten (10) schools in Gauteng.
Cindy-Lee Cloete, Head of Programmes and Projects at WESSA, said, “This initiative will lay the groundwork for comprehensive environmental education, fostering a profound understanding of the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. We are proud to be associated with eWASA in taking this project to our communities.”
One of the primary objectives of this project is to engage schools actively, as well as local small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) operating within the recycling sector, with a specific focus on the regions of Cape Town and Gauteng. This endeavour aims to establish robust collaborations and provide support for waste management initiatives and recycling depots.
“By combining the expertise of eWASA and WESSA, we embark on a journey towards a more environmentally aware and resilient South Africa,” comments Keith Anderson, CEO of eWASA. “Our collective efforts will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, enriching the lives of individuals, schools, and communities alike. “This alliance not only underscores the influence of strategic partnerships in effecting change but reinforces South Africa’s commitment to global sustainability objectives. Through eWASA’s visionary approach, coupled with the expertise of WESSA, the nation is poised to make tangible strides in curbing waste, bolstering circular economy practices, and ensuring a greener tomorrow.”
The eWASA and WESSA Waste Management project is set to begin 01 August 2023 and will end December 2027.
To learn more about our work, click the links below:
WESSA
Website:www.wessa.org.za
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wessa_sa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildlifeandEnvironmentSocietyofSA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/wessalife
eWASA
Website: www.ewasa.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eWasteAssociationSA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewasteassociationsa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eWASA_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ewasa
About WESSA: The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) is a leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to advocating for sustainable solutions, conservation, championing policy initiatives and promoting environmental awareness that lead to a healthier planet. WESSA has consistently been at the forefront of the environmental sector, driving positive change and inspiring communities. Through its diverse range of programmes and initiatives, WESSA has been instrumental in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility across South Africa.
WESSA’s Mission: Educate. Advocate. Act. We educate, advocate and act for environmental and social justice through sustainability education, strategic partnerships, and conservation programmes to drive climate action, protect and restore biodiversity, and reduce pollution.
WESSA’s Vision: To be a trusted and highly effective organisation working for environmental and social justice in support of a healthy and sustainable planet.
About eWASA: The EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) is a registered Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). eWASA is committed to enhancing waste management practices and advancing the circular economy across the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), Lighting, and Paper and Packaging sectors.
ENDS…
For media enquiries please contact:
Gail Samuels
Head: Business Development & Marketing
Wildlife Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA)
Email: gail.samuels@wessa.co.za
Phone: +27(0)31 201 3126 | +27(0)66 349 0678