Insight & Article Archive
Joint Statement Response To Devi Show
- The African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) and the Paper and Packaging PRO Alliance have committed to collaborating to ensure compliance with government regulations concerning reclaimers and the payment of service fees owed to them.
- The PRO Alliance, ARO and SAWPA have also held several meetings to discuss how to improve the efficacy and functioning of the SAWPRS and how to develop national payment systems that integrate with the registration system. Together, we have approached the CSIR to request that they resume technical management of the SAWPRS. Although the practicality and feasibility of this request are still under discussion given the capacity challenges within the CSIR, we hope for a positive outcome.
- The pilot project that Richard Sengani referred to in the Devi Show is a PRO Alliance project. It took place at the beginning of November and was aimed primarily at testing cashless banking technology as part of the payment system. Encouragingly, over 50 payments were made to waste pickers in the four days of the pilot project. The lessons that were learned are being taken into consideration in the second phase of the pilot, which is being done in partnership with the waste picker organisations.
- The PRO Alliance, ARO and several other stakeholders came together on Tuesday, 3 December 2024 to test the SAWPRS, with the target being to register around 150 reclaimers and waste pickers at a West Rand landfill site on the day. The aim was also to identify any problems that persist with the deployment of the SAWPRS in the current environment to inform future registration efforts.
- The PRO Alliance has also committed that all future decisions relating to the development and rollout of reclaimer and waste picker registration initiatives to underpin payment systems will be made jointly with ARO and SAWPA.
- There is acknowledgement that some PROs are more advanced and committed than others in terms of compliance with the legislation and the shared goal, working with the DFFE, is to strongly encourage those who are lagging to be part of this process.
Other Articles
PRO Alliance Newsletter – 2026 Issue 3
The PRO Alliance Quarterly Newsletter (Issue 3, March 2026) highlights strong progress in the BBC200 waste picker integration programme and related initiatives. It reports significant milestones, including over 16,000 registrations and 11,500 verifications on the SAWPRS system, alongside financial support distributed to waste pickers and the onboarding of 51 buy-back centres. The newsletter reflects on Phase 1 of the BBC200 project, which successfully established infrastructure, improved data visibility through national systems, and demonstrated that technology must be paired with training, trust-building, and consistent engagement to drive adoption and long-term impact.
Looking ahead, the focus for 2026 is on scaling the programme to more centres while deepening education, integration, and support for waste pickers and stakeholders. The newsletter also introduces the Fair Circularity Initiative, aimed at accelerating inclusion in the recycling economy, and features insights from a buy-back centre owner, emphasising real-world benefits and challenges. In addition, PRO Alliance shares its position on South Africa’s National Waste Management Strategy, advocating for practical, balanced implementation aligned with circular economy goals. Overall, the issue underscores a shift toward a more structured, inclusive, and data-driven waste management ecosystem.
Download full newsletter (.PDF)
ISWA Waste Management and Circular Economy Conference
Date: 30 & 31 March 2026
Focus & Themes: This event will highlight Africa’s leadership in advancing circular economy practices and environmental resilience.
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