We have some fantastic news to share from our recent community outreach initiatives. ERA NPC recently hosted two successful Imbizo events in the Eastern Cape, bringing practical electronic waste (e-waste) recycling solutions directly to local residents.
These events were designed to make responsible recycling accessible while providing a financial incentive for participants. By offering a participation fee of R15.00 per transaction plus an additional R4.50 per kilogram of e-waste collected, we saw an incredible response from the community.
Driving Local Action in KSD Local Municipality
Our journey began on 19 May with a mini Imbizo in O.R. Tambo Village, located within the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality. This initial event set a positive tone for the days ahead, allowing us to connect with residents and clear out significant volumes of broken or outdated electronics.
The momentum grew even stronger the following day, 20 May, when we hosted our main Imbizo at the Ngangelizwe Rotary Stadium in Mthatha. The turnout was exceptional, proving that local communities are eager to participate in environmental sustainability when given the right platforms and support.
The Numbers Behind the Impact
The data from these two days highlights the sheer volume of material we managed to divert from landfills. Here is the detailed breakdown of our Eastern Cape activations:
19 May: O.R. Tambo Village (Mini Imbizo)
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Transactions: 68
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Total Tonnage: 3,985 kg
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Total Paid Out: R18,952.50
20 May: Ngangelizwe Rotary Stadium, Mthatha (Main Imbizo)
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Transactions: 229
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Total Tonnage: 12,831.43 kg
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Total Paid Out: R61,265.56
Combined Total Impact
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Total Transactions: 297
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Total Tonnage Diverted: 16,816.43 kg
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Total Financial Injection into the Community: R80,218.06
Strengthening the Recycling Ecosystem
Beyond the impressive numbers, these events serve a vital strategic purpose for national waste management goals. Alex Cremer, ERA NPC‘s Head of Programmes, shared his perspective on why these community activations are so essential:
“These events create a direct channel for the recovery of household e-waste that might otherwise remain in storage or enter informal disposal pathways. Supporting national EPR awareness initiatives helps strengthen alignment with the DFFE and identify potential local enterprises within host communities to support the development of a more inclusive recycling ecosystem.”
By aligning our efforts with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, we are doing more than just collecting waste. We are helping to build a sustainable, green economy that uncovers local entrepreneurial potential and protects our beautiful landscapes.
We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone in the KSD Local Municipality who brought in their old appliances, cables, and devices. Your participation makes a tangible difference.
Stay tuned to our blog for future event dates and updates on how we are expanding our recycling footprint across South Africa.