Matsapha: A new day has dawned over Eswatini’s waste community and environmental stewardship with the launch of the Institute of Waste Management of Eswatini (IWMEswatini), in Matsapha on Thursday.
IWMEswatini is a multi-disciplinary non-profit association committed to supporting professional waste management practices throughout the country. It is a chapter of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA).
The association was launched during a gala dinner at the Mbabane Campus of the University of Eswatini, which was attended by a diverse audience from the Government, the Eswatini Environmental Authority (EEA), the waste management community, and SMMEs.
IWMEswatini’s goal is to support and promote sustainable best practices in the Waste and Secondary Sectors.
Some of the benefits to membership, which comprises players in the waste management and environmental ecosystem include networking, access to the latest advances and thought-leadership on new developments, technology, and legislation, and preferential rates in training courses, workshops, and conferences.
Ms. Mpendulo Ginindza, the Vice President of IWMSA said the launch of the IWMEswatini was a milestone in the country’s efforts to consolidate and modernize the waste management ecosystem, whilst also developing and strengthening it into a priority industry. She said the association will facilitate international best practices in the area of waste recycling and waste composition through improved storage, presentation, and collection of waste.
The icing on the cake is that through world-class waste management initiatives brought by IWMEswatini, emaSwati, the SMMEs, community organizations, NGOs, and environmental associations will be empowered and given the opportunity to generate income from proper waste management initiatives. This will go a long way in inculcating a culture of proper waste management among emaSwati, and in supporting the national efforts to ensure sustainable livelihoods for emaSwati and poverty alleviation.
“The launch of IWMEswatini is a major step in the right direction for the country as it brings together key players in the waste management ecosystem, in support of the country’s efforts towards a recycling, green economy,” said Ginindza.
Mr. Richard Mamba, the inaugural President of IWMEswatini explained that the association comprises voluntary members who promote environmentally acceptable, cost-effective, and appropriate waste management practices.
“We strive towards the protection of the environment and people of Eswatini from the adverse effects of poor waste management by supporting sustainable best practical environmental options.”
“As IWMEswatini we are grateful to His Majesty’s Government for creating an enabling environment for the growth of the waste management and secondary industries Eswatini.
“We are grateful to the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Hon. Moses Vilakati, the Principal Secretary, and the entire team in the ministry for their support, guidance, and cooperation with IWMEswatini from inception, up to this historic launch.”
Mamba also thanked IWMESA for the support leading to the establishment of the Eswatini chapter.
Meanwhile, in the keynote address a representative from the EEA said as the custodians of environmental issues in the country, they were excited and fully support the formation of the IWMEswatini.
He said the organization is crucial to national efforts to protect and preserve the environment and to inculcate a culture of environmental stewardship and proper waste management in communities across the country, with a particular focus on the youth, women, and the underprivileged.
“IWMEswatini, could not have been established at a better time than when the country and the world was faced with serious challenges posed by global warming and climate change. IWMEswatini amplifies the call for every one of us to stand up and act responsibly to protect and preserve the environment.”
“The anticipated results of the formation of IWMEswatini include business start-up and increased job opportunities for the benefitting communities using waste for income generation project and sustained livelihoods.”
It should be noted that poor waste management causes various challenges such as air contamination, water pollution, and drastic climate changes. In Eswatini, waste is now not only a danger to the environment, but it is increasingly a threat to human health and the way of life.
The IWMEswatini Board of Directors comprises:
Richard Mamba – President
Maureen Gabuza – Vice President
Gcinile Ndzinisa – Secretary General
Wandile Mathonsi -Treasurer General
Timothy Dladla – Board Member
Stephen Khumalo – Board Member
For more information visit https://iwmeswatini.org
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