Speaking notes by Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts for the launch of the E‑Waste Recycling Pilot Project at King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality within O.R. Tambo District in the Eastern Cape Province
Programme Director,
Honourable Executive Mayor,
Leadership of Council,
Representatives of national and provincial government,
Industry partners,
Members of the community,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to join you today for the launch of the E‑Waste Collection and Recycling Pilot Project in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality within O.R. Tambo District on 20 May 2026, Eastern Cape Province. This initiative represents a practical and timely intervention to strengthen waste management, protect the environment, and unlock local economic opportunities within our province.
Electronic waste, commonly referred to as e‑waste, is the fastest‑growing waste stream globally. The increasing use of electrical and electronic equipment has resulted in large volumes of discarded devices, many of which contain hazardous substances that pose serious risks to human health and the environment if not managed well.
South Africa generates more than 360,000 tonnes of e‑waste annually, yet only a small proportion is formally recycled. The prohibition of e‑waste disposal to landfill, together with the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations, reflects government’s clear intent to divert this waste stream towards increasing reuse, recycling and recovery.
Within the Eastern Cape, and particularly in municipalities such as King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality (KSDLM), waste management challenges are compounded by limited infrastructure and waste minimisation initiatives, and low levels of public awareness around e‑waste recycling. This project responds directly to these realities by establishing accessible collection systems while strengthening community participation and accountability.
In the 2024/25 financial year, the Department commenced with the launch of an E-waste collection as part of EPR implementation to ensure collection and safe recycling of e-waste across the country. This was first launched in Mpumalanga Province, in Bushbuckridge and Nkomazi Local Municipalities respectively. This work continued in Rustenburg and Madibeng Local Municipalities in the North-West Province under Bojanala District Municipality followed by the Cities of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni in Gauteng Province. I was able to engage with communities in the Northern Cape Province, Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality last month on the importance of community action on tackling eWaste. Through these various eWaste programmes in rural and peri-urban locations in South Africa, the Producer Responsibility Organisations were able to collect more than 86 000 kilograms (86 tons) of e-waste with more than R267 700.00 paid as incentives to the communities. This is a clear demonstration of the success of this partnership and the gains to the environment and to public health.
Today, the Department is here to launch this successful project in the Eastern Cape Province. The project is implemented through a partnership between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Eastern Cape Department of Environment, King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, and the Producer Responsibility Organisations. This collaborative approach enables better coordination across spheres of government and ensures that implementation on the ground is aligned with national policy and regulatory frameworks.
Community involvement is critical to the success of this initiative. Through the provision of drop‑off or collection points, collaboration with local SMMEs, and targeted awareness activities, we are working to embed responsible waste separation and recycling practices at household level.
Beyond environmental protection, this project creates opportunities for local economic development. E‑waste recycling has the potential to support job creation, skills development, and small enterprise participation, while contributing to the growth of a circular economy within the municipality and the Province as a whole.
This project also supports the objectives of the National Waste Management Strategy and advances provincial priorities to reduce waste to landfill, increase recycling rates, and promote inclusive economic growth. Importantly, it provides a model that can be adapted and replicated in other municipalities across the Eastern Cape.
Sustainability and implementation progress will be monitored by the DFFE through clear indicators, including the volumes of e‑waste collected, levels of community participation, SMME collaboration and employment opportunities created. These lessons will inform future expansion and policy refinement.
I call upon the residents of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality (KSDLM) and the entire O.R. Tambo District KSD Local Municipality, industry partners, and community structures to take ownership of this initiative. Through collective effort, we can reduce environmental risks, recover valuable resources, and create sustainable livelihoods.
In conclusion, E‑Waste Collection and Recycling Project marks an important step in strengthening environmental governance and service delivery at local level. With continued cooperation across government, industry, and communities, this initiative has the potential to make a lasting impact.
I thank you.
For media enquiries, please contact: Zolile Nqayi on 082 898 6483 / znqayi@dffe.gov.za
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