Kumba provides environmental training for community volunteers

Protecting the health of the environment is a responsibility that we all share, which needs constant practise. Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment that is applied across both urban and rural areas, to protect and conserve the environment for future generations.

As a responsible miner, Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen Mine has provided Basic Waste Management training to local civil society organisations with a keen interest in environmental cleanliness. Organised by the SHEPS department, the Basic Waste Management training covered with the following:

• Importance and implementation of waste separation.
• The benefits of recycling.
• The circular economy.

Environmental Advisor at Sishen Mine – Livhuwani Maemu, explains the importance of the training. “Everyone has the right to an environment which is not harmful to their health or well-being. The initiative undertaken by civil society structures in Mapoteng to organise and clean shared community spaces, demonstrated the yearning the residents have to try and resolve lingering waste management issues. Through the training we provided, we hope we’ll empower their cause and equip them on how to work safely in the field.”

A total of 22 participants from the community, formed part of the initial training session. Conny Mashishi – Project coordinator at Mapoteng Cleaning Volunteer, mentions how this training will be beneficial when they carry out cleaning campaigns in the community. “The training we received introduced us to modern waste management practices. It equipped us to recognise recyclable materials and how to benefit from them. We plan to intensify our cleaning campaigns in Mapoteng to encourage the community to be more environmentally conscience. We are grateful for the support that Sishen Mine has made available towards our cause.”

The mine plans to sustain the momentum of this movement by conducting more training sessions for community members involved in cleaning campaigns and installing bins in strategic locations within the community to encourage residents to join the effort in maintaining a clean environment.