The Eastern Cape branch of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) marked its 50th anniversary on 22 July, combining the milestone with the presentation of the 2026 Recycling Awards. The event celebrated both institutional continuity and the practical work of schools and informal reclaimers who divert recyclable material from landfill across the province.
Recognising volunteers, learners and reclaimers
The celebration, held at a venue listed as African Sky’s, brought together branch members, sponsors and guests representing local government and business. The evening marked a transition in the branch’s leadership: Rochelle Clarke was introduced as the incoming chairperson, succeeding outgoing chairperson Mervin Olivier.
Organisers highlighted that the awards were intended to honour a wide cross-section of recyclers, from school learners to informal reclaimers whose daily work collects and sorts recyclable material. Sponsors for the event included Toyota Forklifts and Volkswagen, with municipal and business representatives present, among them Pamela Mabentsela and Nonurse Mlungu of Mbhashe Local Municipality, and Lithalethu Ngcingane of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber.
Top-performing schools
The awards recognised schools that recorded the highest volumes of recycling collected during the period under review. The top performers named were:
- Buffalo Flats Primary — 4 795kg
- Khumbalani High School — 4 451kg
- Westering High School — 3 390kg
- Kwezi Lomso Comprehensive School — 3 132kg
- Cape Recife High School — 3 045kg
| School | Recycling collected (kg) |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Flats Primary | 4 795 |
| Khumbalani High School | 4 451 |
| Westering High School | 3 390 |
| Kwezi Lomso Comprehensive School | 3 132 |
| Cape Recife High School | 3 045 |
Informal reclaimers in the spotlight
Alongside the schools, the branch placed emphasis on informal waste reclaimers — independent collectors who play an essential role in the province’s recycling chain. The awards recognised reclaimers for their contribution to keeping large quantities of recyclable material out of landfill and for supporting circular-economy activities at community level.
Event organisers noted the double significance of the evening: celebrating half a century of the IWMSA’s work in the Eastern Cape, while simultaneously recognising grassroots efforts that sustain recycling systems. The awards ceremony was positioned as both an acknowledgement and an incentive for continued community participation.
Why this matters for the Eastern Cape
Waste management in the Eastern Cape faces logistical and infrastructure challenges that make community-level initiatives important. Schools and informal reclaimers not only reduce landfill pressure but also support livelihoods and environmental education. By amplifying successful models, the IWMSA branch aims to encourage replication in other municipalities and to strengthen links between local government, business and civil society.
Support from corporate sponsors such as Toyota Forklifts and Volkswagen, together with municipal representation, underlines the collaborative approach organisers say is needed to scale recycling efforts. The change in leadership at the branch will be watched by local stakeholders who want continuity in advocacy, training and technical support.
What comes next
- New branch leadership under Rochelle Clarke is expected to continue engagement with schools, reclaimers and municipalities.
- Sponsorship and partnership models showcased at the event could be used to expand collection initiatives and support for informal reclaimers.
- Recognition of top schools aims to encourage recyclers across the province to increase diversion rates and embed recycling in school curricula and routines.
The IWMSA Eastern Cape branch’s anniversary and awards underscore the reliance on local action to meet provincial waste-diversion goals. For communities and councils wrestling with limited resources, the practices recognised at the ceremony offer practical pathways to reduce landfill volumes and promote circularity.
