Education, training, and practical support to nurture a thriving recycling sector – that is Petco’s mission, and one we will never tire of.

Recently, we partnered with the Department of Public Works to run a series of practical recycling and entrepreneurship workshops across the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality in North West Province. As always, Petco approached these workshops with a listening ear, seeking to understand participants’ lived experiences and local knowledge before offering possible ways to create small (or eventually large) recycling enterprises of their own.

A core focus of these sessions was supporting Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employees whose contracts are about to come to an end, in order to empower them to take the next big step – launching their own waste-focused businesses.

Over five days, our Regional Recycling Officer, Lehlogonolo Mohale, ran four workshops in Mamusa, Naledi, Kagisano Molopo, and Dewetsdorp. For EPWP participants nearing the end of their contracts, we focused on how they could make the shift from temporary jobs to sustainable self-employment in the recycling sector.

Each workshop covered different aspects of recycling – from sorting and collecting packaging to what’s needed to start a small business. There were some great conversations about where to find help, whether in the form of mentorship or funding, or just getting started with a plan.

Attendance was strong across the board, with 250 participants in total, highlighting growing community interest in the recycling sector as means of sustaining a livelihood.

This turnout was encouraging, with EPWP workers, local officials, and community members all showing an interest in the huge potential in collection and recycling. Little by little, many more people are realising that this sector can lead to secure, long-term opportunities.

One attendee captured the spirit of the initiative: “The training and support that Petco and EPWP brought to us is giving us a chance for the future.”