The South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA) has organized a peaceful march in Johannesburg today to protest the proposed waste incinerator at the Robinson Deep landfill site and demand proper compensation for waste pickers. This event coincides with SAWPA’s Seventh Biennial General Meeting (BGM), which commemorates 15 years of the struggle for worker justice for waste pickers in the country.

​

SAWPA, a movement that unites waste pickers across South Africa, has been advocating for the recognition and protection of the rights of waste pickers, who play a crucial role in waste management and recycling in communities. Through this demonstration, waste pickers are rejecting the construction of waste incinerators, which, based on their experiences in other countries, tend to displace waste workers and jeopardize their livelihoods. “Burning waste in incinerators is a false and unjust solution,” said Lefa Mononga, SAWPA Coordinator.

 

In their fight, waste pickers are also calling for the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme, which aims to have companies producing packaging and other recyclable materials pay a levy to compensate waste pickers for collecting and recycling these materials. However, SAWPA is denouncing the lack of action from PRO Alliance, the entity responsible for distributing the collected funds to waste pickers. The organization claims that this failure to meet commitments has led to the exclusion of waste pickers and created suspicions of corruption due to the lack of transparency and communication in the management of the funds.

 

“Municipal authorities must recognize the valuable contribution of waste pickers to the environment and the economy and ensure they are paid what they are owed for their work,” said Mononga. “The recycling industry in South Africa exists thanks to the work of waste pickers, and we cannot allow their rights to be ignored.”

 

SAWPA remains steadfast in its struggle for social justice, dignity, and the recognition of waste pickers as essential workers in the waste management process. Through today’s march, the organization is also calling on local government and industry to halt plans for incinerators that threaten the livelihoods of thousands of recycling workers.

 

Today’s march, which began in downtown Johannesburg and ended at the municipal headquarters in Braamfontein, is another step in SAWPA’s fight for the rights of waste pickers in South Africa and globally.

 

About SAWPA

​

The South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA) is a voluntary organization founded in 2009 in Johannesburg, representing waste pickers across the country. The organization works to improve the working conditions of waste pickers, promote the recognition of their work, and ensure their inclusion in key environmental and economic policies.

​

by Chris Louw for groundWork