The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) is optimistic that the newly launched community-led clean-up initiative, #MatlakalaKeZaka, will create much-needed job opportunities and address environmental challenges such as illegal dumping, littering, the burning of waste, and poor waste management practices.
The campaign was launched by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, accompanied by the Mayor of Tswaing Local Municipality, Norah Mahlangu, in Sannieshof.
Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, Lenkopane said that the campaign represents a turning point in how communities view and manage waste.
“Through the Matlakala ke Zaka Campaign, the government aims to promote community-led climate action by encouraging proper waste separation at source, reducing illegal dumping, restoring the dignity of towns and villages, and unlocking economic value from recyclable materials.
Matlakala ke Zaka – waste is not a burden but an opportunity.
Through this campaign, we want communities to see that the waste we collect today can become tomorrow’s income, while at the same time protecting our environment,” said Lenkopane.
The MEC highlighted that environmental challenges such as illegal dumping, littering, the burning of waste, and poor waste management practices continue to place pressure on the province’s ecosystems, public health, and community wellbeing.
Lenkopane said that the event was also used to recognise the work of Climate Change and Business Compliance Ambassadors, who play an important role in strengthening environmental monitoring, promoting compliance, and supporting government’s efforts to build cleaner and safer communities.
“We have ambassadors throughout the province’s 23 municipalities. The biggest beneficiary in terms of the mobilised Ambassadors is the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, followed by Moretele, Kagisano-Molopo, and Ditsobotla Local Municipalities, particularly where landfill sites have been neglected. The aim is to have at least 20 Ambassadors per municipality,” highlighted the MEC.
In addition, she said that the Ambassadors will also be working as data capturers and runners because “some will be imparting knowledge on how to collect and recycle waste and, most importantly, how to categorise waste.”
Lenkopane further implored all sectors of society, including households, youth groups, schools, businesses, traditional leaders, and municipalities, to take collective responsibility for protecting the environment and building climate-resilient communities.
