To show appreciation to KSD waste pickers for their contribution to environmental cleaning and the local economy, KSD Municipality, in partnership with Petco Producer Responsibility Organisation NPC organised a special programme on 12 August 2025 at Mthatha Landfill Site.
These waste pickers not only help KSD realize its goal of becoming one of the cleanest cities, but they also earn a living through recycling and selling their waste.
In his remarks, Executive Mayor Cllr G.N. Nelani stated that the Municipality has made substantial progress towards improving waste management and environmental sustainability by implementing several initiatives to reduce waste and create a cleaner, greener city.
These initiatives include beefing up bylaws and policies to ensure that waste is disposed of properly and reduce littering; cleaning and awareness campaigns; the KSD Greenest Ward Competition, which is a community-led cleaning and beautification programme; and the launch of the Youth Climate Change Council.
“Yes, we are not yet there in terms of overall cleanliness, but there is a great improvement,” stated the mayor.
In conclusion, the mayor appreciated the work done by the waste pickers and urged everyone in the community to contribute to maintaining a clean environment while at the same time warning those who are disposing of waste illegally to stop or face consequences.
Chairperson for KSD Waste Pickers Forum, Mr. S. Mabusela thanked KSD and Petco Producer Responsibility Organisation NPC for recognising waste pickers. He requested the municipality to supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for waste pickers. In order to improve the local economy and eliminate the need for residents to travel to sell their waste, he also asked Municipality to establish a waste hub with a full recycling process.
“Waste picking helps us to provide for our families, and as a result, I have produced graduates through waste-selling income,” he said.
This event also formed part of the Women’s Month celebration, which saw women participating in waste picking receive protective waistcoats and cosmetic packs as a token of appreciation.
