With World Earth Day coming up on Monday (22 April), the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) has underscored the critical need for concerted efforts to combat plastic pollution – a pressing environmental challenge in South Africa.
This year’s theme, “Planet versus Plastics,” resonates deeply with the ongoing battle against plastic pollution in our country, emphasising the urgency of transitioning towards sustainable waste management practices and reducing plastic production.
According to Mpendulo Ginindza, president of the IWMSA: “The plastic economy in South Africa is based on a linear model of take-make-waste, leading to significant environmental consequences,” says Mpendulo Ginindza, president of the IWMSA. “Improper waste management results in plastic waste infiltrating our rivers, oceans and communities, posing threats to wildlife and ecosystems.”
Ginindza says that even seemingly sustainable solutions need to be rethought when it comes to how we handle waste management.
According to the Ewastemonitorinfo.org’s new report – The Global E-waste Monitor 2024 – the green transition and the connecting of off-grid communities will lead to a quadrupling of waste from photovoltaic panels from 0,6-billion kg in 2022 to 2,4-billion kg in 2030.
“Small equipment such as video cameras, toys, microwave ovens, and e-cigarettes also constitutes the largest category of e-waste in terms of mass – accounting for 20-billion kg in 2022, or almost one-third of the world’s total e-waste,” says Ginindza.
In alignment with World Earth Day’s “Planet versus Plastics” theme, the IWMSA is devoted to raising awareness about the detrimental impacts of plastic pollution and promoting sustainable solutions to address this pressing issue. Through initiatives such as community clean-ups and educational campaigns, the IWMSA aims to empower individuals, businesses, and government agencies to take proactive steps towards reducing plastic consumption and promoting a circular economy.
“We have industry experts working tirelessly to review and update our training programmes, equipping our members with the knowledge and tools to promote a circular economy and reduce plastic production,” Ginindza says.
She adds that the IWMSA acknowledges the importance of collaboration among government agencies, businesses, and individuals in tackling plastic pollution and promoting sustainable waste management practices. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, the IWMSA wants to harness collective efforts towards achieving the ambitious goal of reducing plastic production by 60% by 2040.
“As a member-driven organisation, we require participation of members so that we can effectively engage stakeholders,” Ginindza says. “IWMSA has MOUs with strategic partners including the DFFE, various universities, and NGOs as well as industries that support our vision. If we are to achieve the 2040 targets, we must work together. It requires collaboration and participation.”
Despite facing challenges in achieving this target – including the need for increased member participation and stakeholder engagement – the IWMSA remains steadfast in its commitment to driving progress towards a sustainable future. Success stories, such as the development of professionals through IWMSA programmes underscore the organisation’s impact in promoting environmental stewardship and responsible waste management practices.
As consumers play a crucial role in addressing the plastic pollution crisis, the IWMSA emphasises the importance of consumer education and empowerment in fostering sustainable consumption habits. By making informed choices and supporting initiatives that promote waste management and recycling, individuals can contribute to the shift towards a circular economy.
“Looking ahead, the IWMSA’s priorities include advancing its mission of promoting responsible waste management and environmental stewardship in South Africa with a focus on driving the transition towards a circular economy and creating value from secondary resources to support job creation and economic growth,” says Ginindza.