As part of Mandela Month celebrations, Mabudafhasi handed over R11.4 million to Mopani District Municipality for the implementation of Mopani Waste Recycling and Buy Back Centre Project.
"The objective of waste recycling is to save resources as well as to reduce the environmental impact of waste by reducing the amount of waste disposed at landfills," Mabudafhasi said on Tuesday.
To meet these objectives, waste separation at source should be pursued, she said, as the quality of recyclable materials was higher when separated at source.
"In addition, recycling has the potential for job creation and is a viable alternative to informal salvaging at landfills, which is undesirable due to problems of health and safety associated with salvaging."
The project focuses on the establishment of waste recycling and buy-back facilities in Maruleng, Greater Giyani and Greater Letaba Local Municipalities respectively.
Each facility comprises a waste sorting area, administration block, boundary fence, main entrance gate, guard house, access road, parking and paving, signage, bulk infrastructure, and a ramp for loading and off-loading.
The project has employed 96 local people. Among the people employed, 58 are women and 56 are youth.
Deepening the Mandela Month activities, the Deputy Minister visited Maatla Primary School where she led a team of government officials and community members in planting trees, painting of classrooms, rehabilitating a borehole and connecting a water tank.
