To support National Youth Month, Petco travelled to the North-West Province to participate as a partner and sponsor in the 11th Annual Green Youth Indaba at Sun City. There we joined government, industry, youth leaders and environmental organisations in driving conversations around sustainability and the circular economy.

Over the course of the two-day event (18-19 June), many delegates visited our exhibition stand, eager to learn about collecting and recycling PET plastic packaging and liquid board packaging, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

On the opening day, Petco board member Bame Modimogale, representing Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), delivered a partner’s address on "Empowering Youth Through Sustainability, Innovation and Inclusive Growth".

Then it was the turn of our CEO, Telly Chauke, who joined a panel discussion alongside four of our fellow producer responsibility organisations (PROs) to explore how circular economy solutions can unlock opportunities while advancing environmental sustainability. Telly shared some of the opportunities available, and examples of how Petco has assisted and empowered the youth within the collection and recycling value chain.

For the Wastepreneur Masterclass, our Collections and Training Manager, Tlou Sebola, took a seat on the panel, where she spoke about the importance of capital equipment support and waste picker integration. The session engaged around 100 participants, including SMMEs, waste pickers and unemployed youth, exploring pathways to build sustainable recycling enterprises and create long-term employment opportunities.

In the week leading up to the Indaba, Petco also partnered with the event organisers, CCBSA, fellow PROs, municipal officials, waste pickers and community stakeholders for a clean-up campaign in nearby Mogwase in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.

Aside from cleaning up the environment, the 80 participants – many of them young people – learned more about responsible waste management practices to create cleaner, healthier communities.

Beyond the clean-up itself, the campaign highlighted the important role that recycling and the circular economy play in creating livelihood and employment. It also showcased the value of collaboration between industry, government, and communities in driving sustainable environmental management and supporting social and economic development.