At Petco, we are truly honoured to have been a part of an initiative that is making a tangible difference in the community and working towards meeting Section 18 legislation..

The National Department of Social Development, led by Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, recently commemorated UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2023 with the theme ‘Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in Practice for All.’ The events took place at Mpilenhle BBC and the Newcastle Landfill Site in Emadadeni, Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.

The primary focus of this initiative was the formalisation and registration of waste pickers. Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu passionately advocated for the importance and benefits of waste picker registration, highlighting how this step can transform lives.

We were privileged to have the support and collaboration of stakeholders like Amajuba District Municipality, Newcastle Local Municipality, and the Matongoni Group. Petco further demonstrated their commitment by generously donating 500 bulk bags and 150 reflective vests to the hardworking waste pickers operating at the landfill site and in Emadadeni Township.

Our collective goals for this initiative were crystal clear:

1. Encourage waste pickers to actively participate in the South African Waste Picker Registration System (SAWPRS) and empower them with the knowledge of why registration is crucial.
2. Promote cleanliness, recycling, and proper waste management practices, contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.
3. Boost the collection of low-value but recyclable materials, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.

We are immensely proud to support initiatives like this, which not only uplift our communities but also promote environmental responsibility. Let’s continue working together towards a better, cleaner, and more inclusive future for all.