Manila:Limpopo The waste sector should be seen as a significant driver of economic growth, enterprise creation, and environmental sustainability, rather than just a management issue for the government. This perspective was conveyed by Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, at the Circular Economy Summit held at the University of Limpopo.
According to South African Government News Agency, Swarts announced a review of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations to improve governance and accountability. A new proposal suggests that Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) should allocate 40% of collected fees to waste infrastructure. The shift towards a circular economy demands changes in product design, manufacturing, consumption, and end-of-life management.
Swarts stressed that landfilling should be a last resort, as valuable materials lost to landfills could otherwise support new businesses and job creation. Currently, only about 10% of waste is diverted from landfills, with fewer than 20% of landfill sites meeting compliance standards. To address this, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is finalizing activities to reduce waste management licensing times, aiming for a 90-day authorization period for beneficial waste use.
Addressing electronic waste, Swarts highlighted the issue of improperly discarded small electronic devices, which often contain valuable materials and pose environmental risks. She urged consumers to be more mindful of returning and properly disposing of these items.
Speaking to students, Swarts underscored the importance of universities in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, aligning with the National Development Plan. She encouraged students to leverage their education to tackle environmental challenges and contribute to economic growth through innovative solutions.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the success of the department's Recycling Enterprise Support Programme, which has supported 56 small and medium-sized enterprises with approximately R200 million in funding. Notably, 12 of these enterprises are women-owned, with 13 beneficiaries located in Limpopo. Swarts called for targeted efforts to ensure women's meaningful participation in the green economy.
Finally, Swarts stressed the need for collaboration among government, industry, municipalities, communities, and entrepreneurs to build a circular economy. She urged collective action to transform waste into opportunities, turning research into innovation and collaboration into lasting benefits for society.
