President’s comment

GETTING BACK on track

Since the beginning of spring, I had a sense that the social and business events I have attended are simulating the changes in seasons.

Mpendulo Ginindza, President, IWMSA

Dear Members,

n 21 to 23 September, the

OWaste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) and International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) hosted the ISWA 2022 World Congress in Singapore. I was honoured to represent my country at this general assembly where other ISWA country members and regional chapters from across the world were represented.

I was also a panel member on a roundtable discussion about ‘Challenges for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Implementation in the Developing World’. We are in the early stages of implementation of mandatory EPR in South Africa.

We know that all developing countries have unique challenges; however, with our South African experience and sector that has evolved over the years, I believe we can assist other developing countries that are battling with the basics of waste management.

During the week’s deliberations, I was elected to chair the ISWA Africa Regional Chapter (ARC) Advisory Committee that is driving the establishment of the ISWA ARC. The Advisory Committee has representation of ISWA country members from Nigeria, Liberia and Uganda. We will extend this platform to other African countries and, as a region, leverage on the ISWA brand, gain understanding of the regional challenges and opportunities, and build responses that are relevant to the African context.

WasteCon 2022

The month of October ended on a high note, with the IWMSA showcasing our 25th flagship event, WasteCon 2022, from 18 to 21 October 2022 at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni. I would like to thank the WasteCon Organising Committee for successfully delivering on this event.

During my inaugural speech, I emphasised that the IWMSA has always been a multidisciplinary organisation since its inception in 1976. We will continue to strengthen our international relations and build new strategic partners with many different organisations. We have government, patrons and members that enable us to deliver on our services. Together, we will all drive a green economy that will provide much-needed business and jobs.

On 5 and 6 October, I attended the second Women Economic Assembly (Wecona), hosted by the Presidency. The theme for Wecona 2022 was to focus on South Africa’s economic recovery, which is at risk of becoming a futile exercise if women are deliberately excluded from participating in value chains in various sectors.

This event had a breakaway session dealing with the green economy where successful projects were showcased and shared with the participants. From my interactions and discussions with some of the organisers of this event, we concluded that there is a need to raise awareness on the opportunities and various roles that women can play within the whole waste management value chain.

These opportunities include services required to clean our environment, businesses that buy and sell recyclables, developing technologies and owning companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. There is a place for all of us to create productive and sustainable business ecosystems in the green economy.

In memoriam

In the midst of all these encouraging developments, we sadly lost a stalwart in our sector – Mr Stan Jewaskiewitz. He will always be a South African leader I admire and respect; I was certainly looking forward to engaging with and learning from Stan during my term of office as President. On behalf of the IWMSA community, we send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family, loved ones, friends and business partners. Stan’s legacy continues: PEACE & STRENGTH to the industry you gave so much to and loved deeply!

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