Iron-ore mining company Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen mine has provided basic waste management training to local civil society organisations with a keen interest in environmental cleanliness.
Organised by the safety, health and environmental protection department, the training covered the importance and implementation of waste separation, the benefits of recycling and the circular economy.
“Everyone has the right to an environment which is not harmful to their health or well-being. The initiative undertaken by civil society structures in Mapoteng to organise and clean shared community spaces, demonstrated the yearning the residents have to try and resolve lingering waste management issues.
“Through the training we provided, we hope we’ll empower their cause and equip them on how to work safely in the field,” explains Sishen mine environmental adviser Livhuwani Maemu.
Twenty-two participants from the community formed part of the initial training session.
“The training we received introduced us to modern waste management practices. It equipped us to recognise recyclable materials and how to benefit from them. We plan to intensify our cleaning campaigns in Mapoteng to encourage the community to be more environmentally conscience. We are grateful for the support that Sishen mine has made available towards our cause,” says Mapoteng Cleaning Volunteer project coordinator Conny Mashishi.
The mine plans to sustain the momentum of this movement by conducting more training sessions for community members involved in cleaning campaigns and installing bins in strategic locations within the community to encourage residents to join the effort in maintaining a clean environment.