Achieving circular economy goals is impossible without wide-reaching and mutually beneficial partnerships at all levels. That’s why Petco collaborates with stakeholders across South Africa, to rally support and leverage the work we do.

On 5 June, we presented at a World Environment Day celebration in Komatipoort, after being invited by Tshikovha Green and Climate Change Advocates and Nkomazi Local Municipality.

It was also an opportunity to connect with two established waste picker groups and to sponsor them with tools essential to their trade.

World Environment Day puts a global spotlight on the critical environmental challenges we face and has become the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of people from across the world committing to protect the planet.

The Komatipoort event was a wonderful opportunity for Petco to present on the work we do in the areas of skills development and training, infrastructure sponsorship, and enterprise development.

For us it was further an opportunity to elaborate on our productive partnerships with municipalities and how we empower and support collectors to help divert waste from landfill. We also sponsored Marloth Park and Komatipoort waste pickers with bulk bags and personal protective equipment (PPE), including conti suits, caps and reflectors.

The chairperson of Tshikovha Graduates Academy, Moudy Mudzielwane, was highly appreciative of Petco’s visit, stating: "This feeling of gratitude isn't leaving us any time soon! Without you, our World Environment Day celebrations with Nkomazi Local Municipality would not have been this awesome. Each year, you come through for people, businesses, and municipalities. So, once again, we say thank you.”

Such a compliment means a lot to Petco – it validates our work towards achieving a circular economy and inspires us to achieve even greater outcomes as a PRO.

Collaborating with like-minded individuals and organisations stimulates the kind of chemistry that drives circular progress, and special mention needs to go to all the high-profile attendees representing key organisations and departments in SA’s circular space, including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), among others.