Keynote address by the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Bernice Swarts, during the launch of the e‑Waste Recycling Pilot Project in Ga‑Segonyana Local Municipality, Mothibistad, in the Northern Cape
Programme Director,
Honourable Executive Mayor of John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality in absentia
Honourable Mayor of Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality in absentia
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 Recycling Pilot Project in the Ga‑Segonyana Local Municipality within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. 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 correctly.
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 recovery, recycling, and reuse.
Within the Northern Cape, and particularly in municipalities such as Ga‑Segonyana, waste management challenges are compounded by limited infrastructure and low levels of public awareness around e‑waste recycling. This pilot project responds directly to these realities by establishing accessible collection systems while strengthening community participation and accountability.
The project is implemented through a partnership between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Northern Cape Department of Environment, the Ga‑Segonyana Local Municipality, and 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 will be critical to the success of this initiative. Through the provision of drop‑off points, collaboration with local SMMEs, and targeted awareness activities, we are working to embed responsible waste separation and recycling practices at household level.
To this end, the Department has supported waste recycling enterprises such as EE-Phepha that we will be visiting today as part of oversight visits to enterprises that have received funding from the Department. Working with industry and other role-players, we are challenged to say, how do we increase the number of enterprises we are supporting in waste management, circular economy and extended producer responsibility (EPR).
We can do more and we need to do more, and work together to grow our local economies, while creating jobs and diverting waste away from the landfill sites through circular economy and EPR implementation.
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 province.
This pilot 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 Northern Cape.
Progress will be monitored through clear indicators, including the volumes of e‑waste collected, levels of community participation, and employment opportunities created. These lessons will inform future expansion and policy refinement.
I call upon the residents of the Ga‑Segonyana 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, the launch of this E‑Waste Recycling Pilot 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.
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