The Eastern Cape branch of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), recently hosted the Innovations in Waste Management: The African Experience 2026 conference — an event widely regarded as a resounding success.
The two-day event hosted at Stirling High in KuGompo City from Thursday, attracted about 80 delegates from across the country. According to Masazi Environmental Society director Wandisile Lukwe, the conference proved both educational and inspiring.
“The conference offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of waste management. The discussions broadened our understanding of current trends, innovative approaches, and the critical role of community participation in addressing the waste crisis,” Lukwe said.
One of the highlights of the event led by IWMSA provincial chair Mervin Olivier, saw the keynote address delivered by renowned waste management expert Stephan Schröder, the managing director of Reclite SA.
Schröder’s presentation focused on how SA is leading the continent in responsible and innovative waste management practices, highlighting the country’s progress towards a more sustainable future.
The conference also showcased groundbreaking findings by Dr Princess Sibanda of the University of the Western Cape, particularly regarding the practical integration of waste pickers into SA’s waste economy.
Another notable presentation came from Deidre Nxumalo-Freeman of DNF Waste and Environment Services, who emphasised the critical role communities play in successful recycling initiatives.
Also taking centre stage was Ely Bronstring from Circular Economy, who addressed the challenges surrounding expanded polystyrene waste and the company’s efforts to tackle the issue through sustainable solutions.
Delegates also participated in a networking evening on the first day of the conference, which created valuable opportunities for collaboration and relationship building.
The event concluded with the Eastern Cape School Recycling Awards, presented by Zingi Mabangula from EnviroServ.
The awards recognised schools that demonstrated exceptional commitment to recycling during 2025.
In addition, the inaugural Eastern Cape Informal Recycler Awards were introduced to honour informal recyclers for their outstanding contributions in diverting large volumes of waste away from SA’s already strained landfill sites.
Olivier said they have shown not only South Africans, but the entire world, what can be achieved through a combination of “necessity, resilience, perseverance, shared vision, and focused efforts”.
“As the Eastern Cape branch of the IWMSA, we continue to play a pivotal role in shaping policies and implementing pioneering waste management methodologies,” Olivier said.
Established nearly 50 years ago, the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa is a multidisciplinary non-profit organisation committed to promoting professional and environmentally responsible waste management practices across Southern Africa.
The organisation made up of voluntary members has since been dedicated to advancing cost-effective, sustainable and appropriate waste management solutions, while protecting both the environment and communities from the harmful effects of poor waste management.
