Western Cape Recycling Action Group (WCRAG) Clean-up Event, Villiersdorp, Theewaterskloof Municipality

The Western Cape Recycling Action Group (WCRAG), in partnership with the Theewaterskloof Municipality and local stakeholders, hosted a community clean-up and awareness event in Villiersdorp on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 to celebrate the National Clean-up and Recycle Week.

Established in 2010 following the Waste Minimisation Summit, WCRAG serves as a departmental platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange to support the growth of recycling and the broader waste economy in the province. Coordinated by the Department’s Waste Policy and Minimisation unit, WCRAG brings together a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including Product Responsibility Organisations (PROs), formal and informal SMMEs, waste pickers, academia, NGOs, CBOs, and all spheres of government.

This event forms part of Clean-up & Recycling Week South Africa (15–20 September 2025), an annual national awareness campaign championed by Plastics SA under the theme “Making a difference where we work, live and play.”

The Villiersdorp clean-up focused on illegal dumping hotspots within the municipality. Activities included the removal of litter, recycling awareness drives, and capacity building sessions to highlight the social, environmental, and economic benefits of recycling. The initiative also creates opportunities for collaboration, networking, and skills development among stakeholders highlighting the value of waste.

‘WCRAG In Action’ saw the participation from municipal representatives, local SMMEs, waste sector stakeholders, Polyco, and a representative from Plastics SA, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Polyco pledged its support by sponsoring PPE and resources for the event.

“The Western Cape has shown that sustainable waste management is achievable when government, industry, and communities work together. This event is about more than just cleaning up—it is about building a culture of responsibility and having pride in our environment,” said Provincial Minister Anton Bredell.

Programme organisers echoed this sentiment, with Saliem Haider, Director responsible for Waste Management in the Western Cape adding: “Through WCRAG, we are not only tackling the challenges of waste but also empowering communities and SMMEs to be part of the solution. The Villiersdorp clean-up is a positive step towards recognizing waste as a resource and not to pollute the environment.”

By engaging communities, schools, individuals, and all stakeholders, the initiative seeks to build lasting awareness and education in strengthening partnerships across the recycling sector.