MetPac-SA, the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for metal packaging in South Africa, marked Mandela Month by celebrating the country’s often-overlooked environmental champions through a dedicated Wellness Day for male waste pickers, recognising that caring for the people behind recycling is just as important as improving recycling rates.
Held at the Yellowwood Park Community Hall in KwaZulu-Natal, the Men’s Wellness Day brought together male waste pickers from Verulam and Umlazi, alongside representatives from government, healthcare, municipalities, industry and community organisations. The initiative formed part of MetPac-SA’s ongoing commitment to improving the health, well-being and social inclusion of waste reclaimers, whose daily efforts make a significant contribution to South Africa’s circular economy.
“Every day, waste pickers recover valuable recyclable materials that would otherwise end up in landfill. They play an indispensable role in keeping our communities clean, supporting recycling and conserving natural resources. This Wellness Day was our opportunity to give something back to the men who quietly perform this essential environmental service,” said Dr Ravi Nadar, Sustainability Manager at MetPac-SA.
The event focused on promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being through a comprehensive programme of free health screenings, educational presentations, motivational talks and wellness activities.
One of the many highlights of the day was the keynote address by Mr Kgauta Mokoena, Chief Director: Chemicals and Waste Policy, Specialist Monitoring Services at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). He paid tribute to the vital role that waste pickers play in South Africa’s waste management system, recognising their contribution to diverting recyclable materials away from landfill, improving national recycling rates and supporting the country’s transition towards a circular economy. He also encouraged continued collaboration between government, municipalities, Producer Responsibility Organisations, industry and waste pickers to strengthen recycling systems and create more sustainable livelihoods.
Delegates also heard from Dr Kishan Singh, Chief Executive Officer of MetPac-SA, who spoke about the infinite recyclability of steel and aluminium packaging. He explained how metal packaging can be recycled repeatedly without any loss of quality, making it one of the world’s most sustainable packaging materials.
“Waste pickers are an essential part of the metal packaging recycling value chain. Every steel food can or aluminium beverage can recovered represents valuable material that remains in circulation rather than becoming waste. Their contribution is fundamental to South Africa achieving higher recycling rates and building a truly circular economy,” said Dr Singh.
The programme also featured an inspiring presentation by entrepreneur Sibusiso Dumisa, owner of the Save a Life Buy Back Centre, who shared his remarkable journey from working as a waste picker to becoming a successful business owner. His personal story demonstrated how determination, hard work and the opportunities created by the recycling sector can lead to entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and community upliftment, leaving many attendees motivated and encouraged.
Education was another important theme throughout the day. Environmental presentations promoted greater awareness of recycling, waste minimisation and sustainable waste management. Mr Lindo Zulu of Jola Family Recycling Company encouraged aspiring buy-back centre owners to see the waste sector as a pathway to entrepreneurship, offering to mentor future waste entrepreneurs. His business currently employs 14 people and supports more than 1 000 waste pickers in Umlazi, demonstrating the positive social and economic impact that successful recycling enterprises can have.
Representatives from the South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA) also assisted participants with waste picker registration and explained the benefits of becoming part of an organised network.
Healthcare professionals from the Department of Health provided confidential health services, including blood pressure, tuberculosis, diabetes and HIV testing, together with counselling, mental health support and preventative healthcare advice. For many participants, it was a valuable opportunity to access healthcare services that are not always readily available.
“Mental health formed an important component of the day’s programme, with healthcare professionals encouraging participants to prioritise emotional well-being, manage stress effectively and seek support when needed. The emphasis on preventative healthcare reflects MetPac-SA’s belief that healthier waste pickers are better equipped to support both their families and South Africa’s recycling economy,” Dr Nadar reported.
The day concluded on a relaxing note with wellness treatments provided by the eThekwini Health Spa, including back, neck, shoulder, hand and foot massages. Entertainment, lunch and networking opportunities created a welcoming atmosphere where participants, government officials, healthcare professionals and industry representatives could connect, share experiences and celebrate the invaluable contribution of South Africa’s waste pickers.
According to MetPac-SA, the Wellness Day not only promoted the health and well-being of waste pickers, but also strengthened partnerships between government departments, municipalities, healthcare professionals, industry and community organisations during Nelson Mandela Month.
Concluded Dr Nadar: “Behind every kilogram of recyclable material collected is a person whose hard work benefits all South Africans. If we are serious about building a circular economy, we must also invest in the people who make that circular economy possible. By supporting waste pickers, we are not only improving lives, but we are also strengthening South Africa’s entire recycling system.”
MetPac-SA extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, presenters, healthcare professionals, government departments, municipalities and community organisations whose collaboration made the Wellness Day such a meaningful success. The organisation also acknowledged the outstanding partnership with eThekwini Municipality, whose ongoing collaboration continues to strengthen local recycling initiatives and deliver meaningful benefits for waste pickers and their communities.
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Author: Keaoleboha Sefako from Aim Marketing & Communications Consultants on behalf of MetPac-SA.
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