DEDECT MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, together with the Mayor of Tswaing Local Municipality,
Norah Mahlangu, led the Provincial Launch of the #MatlakalaKeZaka Campaign and
recognised Climate Change and Business Compliance Ambassadors at Sannieshof Lodge &
Events B&B on 13 March 2026.
Held under the theme “Clean Today, Green Tomorrow – Our Road to COP30,” the initiative
aims to mobilise communities, municipalities, environmental partners, and academic
institutions to work together in improving waste management and promoting environmental
sustainability.
The campaign forms part of the Premier Lazarus Mokgosi’s pronouncements at the State of
the Province Address and the province’s contribution to global climate action as the world
prepares for the COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference. It highlights how
community-led clean-up initiatives, recycling programmes, and responsible waste
management can contribute meaningfully to the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Speaking at the launch, MEC Lenkopane emphasised that the campaign represents a shift in
how communities should view waste.
“Matlakala ke Zaka- waste is not a burden but an opportunity. Through this campaign, we want
communities to see that the waste we collect today can become tomorrow’s income, while
protecting our environment,” said MEC Lenkopane.
MEC noted that environmental challenges such as illegal dumping, littering, burning of waste,
and poor waste management practices continue to place pressure on ecosystems, public
health, and community wellbeing. These challenges are further intensified by the growing
impacts of climate change, including droughts, heatwaves, and environmental degradation.
The event also recognised Climate Change and Business Compliance Ambassadors, who
play a vital role in strengthening environmental monitoring, promoting compliance, and
supporting government’s efforts to build cleaner and safer communities.
MEC Lenkopane further highlighted the importance of partnerships with the private sector,
particularly mining houses, to support waste management programmes and strengthen
recycling initiatives across the province. She noted that waste beneficiation can unlock
economic opportunities, where materials such as plastics, glass, paper, and cans can be
recycled, reused, and transformed into products that support local enterprises and create
sustainable jobs.
Through the #MatlakalaKeZaka Campaign, government aims to promote community-led
climate action by encouraging waste separation at source, reducing illegal dumping, restoring
the dignity of towns and villages, and unlocking the economic value of recyclable materials.
Municipalities will also be allocated spot whereby sorted refuse will be collected and allocated
ro recycling processes.
MEC Lenkopane called on households, youth groups, schools, businesses, traditional leaders,
and municipalities to take collective responsibility in protecting the environment and building
climate-resilient communities.
The MEC further acknowledged the contributions of partners including Polyco, PETCO, NorthWest University, municipalities, environmental organisations, and private-sector stakeholders,
for their continued support in advancing recycling and environmental awareness initiatives in
the province.
The #MatlakalaKeZaka Campaign invites every resident of the North West to be part of
building a cleaner and greener future — because meaningful climate action begins at the with
us.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and
Tourism
For inquiries, contact:
Thomas Matlapeng (083 687 3649)
OR
Mr. Jeremiah Matebesi
Director: Communication and IT Services
072 333 0325 | Email: JeremiahMatebesi@nwpg.gov.za
Twitter: @nwpg_dedect / Facebook: @nwdedect