On Thursday, 16 March 2023, the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, in partnership with the National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA), took a significant step towards sustainable waste management with the launch of the Industrial Symbiosis Programme (ISP), which was held in Kimberly.
The waste minimisation programme aims to mobilise citizens to take a firm position against littering and illegal dumping and highlights possible socioeconomic opportunities in the waste economy, waste management and waste reduction.
With over 307 000 tons of waste generated in the province in 2021, the implementation of the ISP has the potential to benefit many businesses and industries such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing. By connecting businesses that produce waste materials with those that can use them, the programme can create new business opportunities, reduce waste disposal costs and promote sustainable practices.
In a report compiled by Mamadi and Company South Africa, implementing the ISP in the Northern Cape could be highly beneficial as almost 40% of waste that is sent to landfill sites can be diverted.
“The implementation of the programme can also have a positive impact on the environment. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, the programme can help mitigate the negative effects of landfilling such as greenhouse gas emissions and soil contamination,” the report read.
Speaking at the programme launch, the NCPC-SA National Programme Manager, Victor Manavhela, said, “The success of the Northern Cape ISP will depend on the participation of businesses across different sectors. We will, therefore, work closely with stakeholders to promote the programme and facilitate collaboration between businesses.”
“The NCPC-SA is committed to providing technical support to businesses that are facing challenges in dealing with waste and want to participate in the programme. This support is aimed at helping businesses to identify and leverage opportunities for waste reduction, resource efficiency and cost savings,” added Manavhela.
How to take part in the ISP
Manavhela continued to urge stakeholders in the waste economy sector to get in touch with the NCPC-SA project manager, Rotondwa Sigama, at ncpc@csir.co.za, who is one of the dedicated programme facilitators for the ISP in the Northern Cape.
“We encourage waste economy stakeholders to take advantage of this complimentary programme. Let us work together towards a sustainable future.”
About the ISP
The NCPC-SA, a programme of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, has been identified as the lead implantation partner for industrial symbiosis across the country. The programme is endorsed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment under the National Waste Management Strategy, which provides policy and strategic interventions for the waste sector.
The ISP is an approach that seeks to promote waste beneficiation through the identification of waste that can be reused/recycled and input into various production processes as a replacement. The programme further improves resource efficiency, reduces waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as creates economic opportunities by promoting the use of waste and by-products as raw materials in different industrial processes.
The programme fosters collaboration between different businesses and sectors, thereby promoting the circular economy, minimising waste and conserving resources.
