Zithande Mzansi Programme Puts Youth Sustainability at the Centre in Katlehong and Vosloorus
Zithande Mzansi Programme Puts Youth Sustainability at the Centre in Katlehong and Vosloorus. Learners from five primary schools in Katlehong and Vosloorus have taken part in a recycling programme aimed at building sustainable habits and encouraging youth participation in the circular economy.
The Zithande Mzansi Green Schools Recycling Programme, led by Fibre Circle in collaboration with Tiger Brands and local SMME Greener Pastures Recycling Company, culminated in an event held on 5 August 2026 at Palm Ridge Community Hall in Katlehong.
The programme focused on Grade 4, 5 and 6 learners from Ikusasalethu Primary School, Katlehong Primary School, Manzini Primary School, Polokegong Primary School and Umtholo Primary School.
According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to encourage environmentally responsible habits, divert waste from landfills, support local waste-collection businesses and promote recycling within communities.
Over several months, learners participated in educational workshops and practical waste management campaigns. They also took part in three competitions designed to encourage different forms of environmental participation.
The Collect, Recycle, and Win Competition challenged schools to collect paper and paper packaging, encouraging learners to sort recyclable waste at source.
The Voices for the Planet Poetry Competition gave learners an opportunity to write and perform original poetry focused on environmental sustainability.
The Waste-2-Art Competition challenged learners to transform discarded recyclable materials into artworks. The resulting creations were displayed during the culmination event at the community hall.
Local enterprise development formed another component of the programme. Greener Pastures Recycling Company, which participates in Fibre Circle’s SMME Development Programme, served as the collection partner for the participating schools.
The company provided collection services for recyclable materials gathered through the programme, linking the schools with a local recycling enterprise.
The participating schools also receive financial rebates for the recyclables they collect. According to the programme information, these rebates are reinvested in school infrastructure and local green initiatives.
Fibre Circle CEO Edith Leeuta said the programme was intended to build awareness of recycling while giving schools tools and guidance to manage their own recycling systems.
The initiative combines environmental education, creative activities and local enterprise participation, with learners playing a direct role in collecting recyclable materials and communicating sustainability messages.
The 5 August event marked the culmination of the programme’s activities involving the five schools in Katlehong and Vosloorus, bringing together the participating learners and showcasing their recycling efforts and creative work.
