Last year, 50,000 South Africans found an informal form of income and employment as waste pickers, collecting used plastics for recycling. The programme, a first of its kind globally, equips informal waste reclaimers with the skills they need to safely and efficiently manage their recycling efforts while improving their business acumen.

The training, a NQF Level 1 qualification, awards 26 credits and runs over five days, spread across a three-week period. In this pilot initiative, 20 learners in Johannesburg and 25 learners in KwaZulu-Natal were selected and sponsored to attend the programme, which took place concurrently in both regions. The training was made possible through the financial support of ExxonMobil, Polyco, Petco and Plastics SA and is a ground-breaking programme that is expected to expand globally. The South African pilot is just the beginning, with 2,000 informal waste sector workers set to benefit through a “train the trainer” approach.

Following a review of this pilot, plans are in place to expand the programme to other countries.

The launch event saw attendance from key industry stakeholders and collaborators, including Bala Nengwhela, Specialist: Waste Management at SALGA; Belinda Booker, Enterprise Development Handover Support at Petco; Andiswa Siyengo, Control Environmental Officer at DFFE; and Kirtida Bhana, Head of Plastics SA’s Academy for Learning & Development.

Kirtida Bhana emphasised the importance of tailored training for waste pickers: “This training covers a wide variety of topics that empower waste pickers to grow their businesses and ensure safer, healthier working conditions. The Self-Employed Material Recycler Training Programme focuses on several critical areas, including health and safety, waste handling, business management within the recycling economy, and strategies to maximise profits in a circular economy”.

“ExxonMobil and the industry recognise the critical role of the informal sector. Plastic waste reclaimers often operate in rudimentary conditions, facing health risks, security challenges, and financial struggles. This training provides essential health and safety protocols, sorting techniques, and business skills to support a fair income and improve working conditions. It is through a multi-stakeholder approach — encompassing waste reclaimers, government, academia, and industry — that we will help create long-term change. This pilot programme will serve as a model for the rest of the world.”
Rik Poppe, Senior Sustainability Advisor ExxonMobil

This programme is also part of a broader initiative by ExxonMobil and the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), aimed at improving workplace safety and conditions for informal sector workers globally. The training includes environmental awareness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and regulatory knowledge. ExxonMobil’s support extends to designing and executing the programme with local partners, targeting waste workers in countries with informal waste management systems.

For more information, kindly contact Kirtida Bhana on email Kirtida.Bhana@plasticssa.co.za