On Mandela Day 2023, Plastics SA, in collaboration with Clean City SA, an award-winning community-based non-profit company,  announced the launch of Cleanup & Recycle SA Week 2023, which will take place this year from 11 – 17 September 2023. This event was part of CleanCity SA’s 2^nd annual Mandela Day activities at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. Clean City SA and Plastics SA, two organizations dedicated to advocating for waste reduction, recycling, and the circular economy, hosted this premier community service event, with Dalu Cele, Founder and CEO of Clean City SA, leading the initiative.

This year’s event included the planting of indigenous trees, vegetables, and herbs at Constitution Hill and 3 Kotze Street, benefitting the Home for the Displaced Persons. Partner organisations include Joburg City Parks, Pikitup, Inner City Partnership, Constitution Hill and Joburg: a World Class African City; as well as various sponsors whose teams participated in cleanups in the area.

Dalu Cele, Founder and CEO of Clean City SA, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “Cleanup & Recycle SA Week 2023 holds a special place in our hearts as we join forces with many organizations to create positive change in the communities of inner-city Joburg. Our partnership with Cleanup & Recycle SA Week amplifies our efforts to promote a circular economy, waste reduction, reuse, and recycling as the preferred waste management options. Together, we are making a real difference.”

During the event, Plastics SA proudly announced the winners of the Annual Caroline Reid Award, recognizing their long-standing commitment and support to Cleanup and Recycling activities.  Corporate recipients included notable organizations such as the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Environment, Pick n Pay, PETCO, Coca-Cola, POLYCO PRO NPC, SAVA, Sasol, Tuffy, PAMSA, The Glass Recycling Company, Packaging SA, Kelpak, The Dow Chemical Company, and Safripol.

Several dedicated community groups were also acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to environmental preservation and community engagement. The recognized community groups are Alexandra Water Warriors, Kwalata Game Reserve, Helderberg Ocean Awareness, Lovemore Foundation, Soulbent Project, Mosselbank River Conservation Team, David Beckett, Benjamin Kriel, Green School Cape Town,  Shark Spotters, and Friends of the Liesbeeck.

“We launched the Caroline Reid Awards in 2019 to recognize and reward excellence in South Africa by individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to waterways, marine, and coastal clean-up initiatives in memory of a fearless and passionate conservation warrior who was also a very dear friend of the industry,” explains Douw Steyn, Sustainability Director at Plastics SA.  Douw emphasized the significance of cleanups, community involvement, and a proactive approach to plastic litter. He highlighted the importance of ongoing education about recycling and effective waste management to foster a sustainable environment and neighborhoods.

Cleanup & Recycle SA Week 2023 serves as a testament to the power of collective action and community engagement. Clean City SA and Plastics SA are proud to spearhead initiatives such as the Mandela Day event, propelling South Africa towards a greener and more sustainable future whilst playing our part in improving the lives of others at the same time.

We want to inspire communities to keep up the good work of keeping their neighbourhoods clean.  Everyone can make a difference every day by picking up trash and recycling, and we would like to thank everyone who participated.