The partnership was officially launched on 5 September when 200 waste-preneurs and special guests gathered at the Wildlands Recycling Transfer Station near Midmar in Pietermartizburg.
Wildlands Green-preneurs collects waste from a network of waste-preneurs, businesses, schools and charitable organisations, sorts and bales materials at depots and sells it to recyclers. In 2012, the organisation collected and recycled over four million kilograms of recyclable waste. "Given the company's reach, Engen's investment will significantly boost recycling efforts, and promote black empowerment and local enterprises," said Tasneem Sulaiman-Bray, Engen's general manager of Corporate Affairs.
"It is a multi-faceted investment with far-reaching impact, allowing us to integrate socio-economic imperatives with enterprise development elements to help Wildlands' waste-preneurs build sustainable businesses. In addition, we are contributing to Wildlands' business efficiencies," Sulaiman-Bray said. In return, Engen will receive carbon credits, supporting its sustainability and planet change agenda.
The investment provided new infrastructure and equipment for the Midmar Recycling Transfer Station, including conveyor belts, glass crushers, a concrete slab for drop-off and loading, and closed sorting sheds which will protect workers from the weather. In addition, it will support two new recycling transfer stations in the eThekwini Municipality and uThungulu Municipality districts - with a vision to do most of the above on a smaller scale.
"The infrastructure will increase the core efficiencies of the recycling processing plants, resulting in Wildlands also being able to increase its current staff complement from 63 to 75 at the depot," said Wildlands CEO Dr Andrew Venter. "This runs counter to many efficiency-boosting interventions. As sorting and crushing was done manually before, the new infrastructure will speed matters up, allowing Wildlands to increase volumes and work through its stockpile of waste," Dr Venter explains. In addition, Engen's investment has contributed to the building of a new office block, training centre for 25 people, canteen, kitchen, locker facility and a computer room at the depot, as well as an ablution facility for the disabled, thereby further improving working conditions.
Wildlands Recycling Operations manager Urvashi Haridass said Engen's investment has increased the wellbeing of their staff. "It has made their working environment healthier and safer. The staff is also very excited about the canteen facility, as this will mean they can leave their work station and enjoy their lunch in a different space. Overall I have already seen a more efficient system, making me very excited about the future."
"Wildlands are very excited about this partnership with Engen," Venter said. "Green-preneurs does some great work, and with this funding we will be able to ensure it is better equipped to do what it does best - green the economy." True to Wildlands form, Dr Venter also mentioned the sustainable resources used in the construction of this benchmark facility, including upcycled bricks, tables, wood, second hand computers and electronic equipment.
