One of the main objectives of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR) is to work with various partners including the University of Venda (UNIVEN) to conserve and protect the environment. VBR further believes that it is through the partnerships that it can make a meaningful impact in the surrounding communities. It is for these reasons that, VBR, together with other waste industry organisations from around Thohoyandou, including UNIVEN student organisations, Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environmental and Tourism and Thulamela Municipality considered it necessary to organise Thohoyandou Clean-up and Awareness Campaign. Members of these organisations recently assembled at Thohoyandou Town Hall to clean up and raise awareness around Thohoyandou CBD.
The campaign was divided into two stages namely, the actual clean up around the Thohoyandou CBD (waste hotspots) and Exhibitions by companies, organisations and individuals operating in the waste industry. The exhibition took place at the Thohoyandou Botanical Garden.
The idea was not only to talk about recycling as good for the environment but to also showcase the entrepreneurial side and encourage stakeholders to venture into the waste management industry.
Programme Coordinator at Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Man and Biosphere, Mr Tonderai Makoni
Programme Coordinator at Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Man and Biosphere, Mr Tonderai Makoni said the main aim of this campaign was to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and waste management in the surrounding communities. “With high unemployment in the country there is need to showcase to people that the waste management industry is full of opportunities.” He also went on toappreciate all the different partners who supported the clean-up campaign.
NYDA was also available as part of exhibitors on matters of how to access funds for businesses and strategies to sustain an already existing business.
Some of the clean-up and awareness campaign participants
Some of the clean-up and awareness campaign participants
Some of the exhibitors showcasing their products made from waste material
Participants listening to one of the exhibitors
Some of the participants posing with waste material collected from Thohoyandou town posing for a photo outside the Thohoyandou Botanical Garden
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 / 8710
Date: 13 May 2022
