We had the privilege of supporting the Gauteng Waste Picker Health Awareness Campaign, hosted in February by the Gauteng Department of Health and the South African Waste Management Council (SAWMC). Held in Meadowlands Zone 2, the event carried a powerful and necessary theme: “Dignity, Safety and Health for Every Reclaimer.”
The campaign brought together key leaders, including MEC for Health Ms. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, MEC for Environment Mr. Ewan Botha, and SAWMC Executive Chair Mr. Junior Langa. The day was dedicated to more than just conversation—it was about action, focusing on on-site health screenings, referrals, and promoting safe waste-handling practices across the sector.
To support the call for dignity and protection, Petco sponsored 157 full PPE sets for the waste pickers in attendance. During the handover, Petco’s Ms. Tlou Sebola reaffirmed our commitment to the reclaiming community, reminding them of how much they are valued and acknowledging their irreplaceable role in South Africa’s collection and recycling value chain.
It was incredibly encouraging to see such a strong show of collaboration from stakeholders, including SAPS, various Gauteng Provincial Departments, the City of Johannesburg, fellow PROs, and civil society.
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