Minister Bredell recognises the important role of female waste entrepreneurs in the recycling economy.
In the lead up to 16 Days of Activism in November, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning together with the Western Cape Recycling Action Group (WCRAG), an alliance made up of the Department, Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO’s) and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), donated Dignity Bags as part of their ‘Give Dignity’ campaign.
Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said: “Providing dignity to women and protecting the environment can go hand in hand, as this initiative from my department demonstrates. Recycling is crucial for reducing our footprint on the environment and waste entrepreneurs play an important role in the recycling economy. Women are the bedrock of our society, and I encourage initiatives that support and recognise them.”
The dignity bags were distributed to female waste entrepreneurs in Swellendam, Matzikama, Kannaland, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Berg River, Cederberg, Theewaterskloof and Overstrand municipalities.
Since September a total of 258 ‘Give Dignity’ bags have been distributed to female waste entrepreneurs consisting of reusable sanitary wear, facecloths, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Belinda Langenhoven, from DEA&DP said: “Waste entrepreneurs are at the forefront of driving the recycling sector and play a significant role in waste management. In order to generate an income, Waste entrepreneurs travel many kilometres between suburban areas and industrial areas to salvage possible items that they can sell at formal and informal buy-back centres.
Langenhoven added: “The campaign is a small token of our appreciation on the vital role these women play in this industry and helping to stimulate and grow the circular economy, conserve our natural resources, and help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of the campaign is to distribute ‘Dignity bags’ to as many female waste entrepreneurs as possible within the Western Cape, and we will continue to do so in 2023.”
