FIVE Ekurhuleni schools join Zithande Mzansi Recycling Programme.
Five schools in Katlehong and Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni have joined the national Zithande Mzansi Recycling Programme, a partnership with Tiger Brands and Fibre Circle, which promotes environmental education and supports income generation for schools and local waste-collection SMMEs.
The launch was held at Palm Ridge Community Hall on Tuesday, 21 October.
The participating schools are Ikusasalethu primary and Polokegong primary from Vosloorus as well as Katlehong primary, Manzini primary and Umtholo primary from Katlehong.
Fibre Circle, a local paper packaging producer, launched the programme to promote recycling, environmental responsibility and improve food security in Mzansi schools.
Through Zithande Mzansi, schools receive colour-coded recycling bins, educational material aligned with the national curriculum and ongoing workshops and training to instil sustainable habits from an early age.
Participating SMEs receive mentorship and coaching through Fibre Circle's SMME Development Programme, fostering job creation and economic growth.
Maanda Milubi, director of enterprise, supplier development and transformation at Tiger Brands, engaged with pupils during the programme's launch.
He said: "Through our partnership with Fibre Circle, we are educating communities, especially pupils about sustainability, recycling and the circular economy.
"Initiatives like this align with our strategy to drive sustainability not only within our value chains and business units but also in the communities where we operate. Importantly, it teaches learners about the opportunities of the circular economy and supports local SME development, creating economic benefits and income opportunities."
Dumisani Khumalo, marketing and communications manager at Fibre Circle, said if paper is mixed with other waste, it becomes contaminated and cannot be recycled.
He said:
The initiative also introduces pupils to green jobs, preparing them for careers in environmental sustainability, circular economy practices and waste management. Since its inception in 2022, the Zithande Mzansi programme has onboarded 158 schools and aims to reach 100 more by 2026.
Through this initiative, the two companies are fostering environmental stewardship, economic empowerment and sustainable practises that benefit communities, schools and local businesses.
The programme positions schools as catalysts for behavioural change while transforming waste into opportunity and creating a cleaner, greener South Africa.
Pupils who attended the event said the programme will make a difference in their schools.
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One of the pupils who attended the launch, Nqobethule Sibiya from Mpilisweni Secondary School, said the Zithande Mzansi Programme is beneficial because it teaches pupils the importance of keeping their environment clean.
"Taking care of the environment is vital for sustaining our habitat. We have also learnt that keeping the environment clean is economically viable as many materials that are littered can be recycled. This programme was very important for me because I now know that materials like paper, bottles, boxes and plastic can all be recycled," Sibiya said.
Sphesihle Ngwenya (10) from Ikusasalethu Primary School shared that the programme taught them to care for the environment.
"I've learnt that littering is very harmful to the environment. It's crucial to keep the environment clean at all times, ensuring that non-recyclable waste is thrown in dustbins, while recyclable materials are placed in the correctly labelled recycling boxes," said Sphesihle.