Insight & Article Archive
Young innovators drive South Africa’s circular economy shift
Makgabo Van Niekerk
July 2026
A few weeks after the 11th Green Youth Indaba concluded, I continue to reflect on what I saw and heard there. I left inspired by the determination, creativity and ambition of South Africa’s youg generation.
These young people are hungary for knowledge, to contribute, to be taken seriously and to be recognised as valuable contributors to their communities, the economy and the planet.
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Other Articles
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.
PRO Alliance Newsletter – 2026 Issue 4
In this edition, Makgabo van Niekerk, PRO Alliance’s new Executive Director, reflects on her first few weeks in office.
In the spirit of Youth Month, we sit down with Paballo Lehapa, a 28-year-old member of the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) and a recycler who is quietly contributing to the circular economy. His energy, perspective and ambition are exactly what this industry needs.
We then bring you a brief update on the collaboration between PRO Alliance, waste picker organisations and the Fair Circularity Initiative (FCI). The pilot has led to a much closer working relationship between waste reclaimers organisations, and the Alliance. This is another important step in the waste picker integration journey.
We conclude by taking a look at the EPR legislation. As 2027 approaches and conversations around EPR 2.0 intensify, we reflect on what the framework has achieved, the challenges that remain, and what needs to change for the next iteration to deliver on its full potential.
Download full newsletter (.PDF)
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