In celebration of World Environment Day and this year’s theme: “Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration”, Polyco is proud to announce its sponsorship of academic bursaries for eight students to pursue Environmental Studies at the Academy For Environmental Leadership SA (AEL) based in Upington in the Northern Cape.
As a registered plastics Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) under national government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme, Polyco is committed to ending plastic waste in South Africa. This includes empowering the next generation to become future leaders in the field of environmental conservation.
The bursaries, valued at R960 000, will enable eight learners to study a Higher Certificate in Conservation Ecology with an emphasis on understanding environmental threats such as pollution, and how to manage environmental threats through plastics recycling and environmental stewardship. With all recipients coming from disadvantaged communities across the country, the opportunity to study and board at the AEL campus for a year will open doors that they may not have had access to.
Patricia Pillay, CEO of Polyco, said, “We believe that the future of our planet depends on the creativity and passion of young people. Through this bursary programme, we are investing in the minds that we hope will help end plastic waste in South Africa. We are excited to see the impact that these students will make and we are proud to support their journey. We would like to thank our valued members for their continued support in helping us make a positive impact in South Africa when it comes to sustainability and ending plastic waste in our environment”.
Heidi Bartis, CEO of AEL, said, “We are delighted about the bursary support we have received from Polyco and are excited about working with them to raise awareness about responsible plastic waste management. The AEL’s focus on environmental stewardship and education aligns with Polyco’s mission. Together, we aim to educate the community about recycling and reducing plastic waste.”
One of Polyco’s main focus areas is educating consumers about recycling and the value of waste. Through our Million+ campaign, we aim to mobilise more than one million plus South Africans to join the plastic recycling movement. Our partnership with the Pick n Pay schools programme has helped us reach over 2.6 million learners to educate them on how to recycle plastic packaging while engaging with over 120,000 educators across the country.
Polyco is also working with its over 650 members, who are brand owners, retailers, plastic converters and raw material producers to ensure there is accountability for the end-of-life consequences of their products through various recycling and collection initiatives. So far, we have added over 300 000 tonnes of additional recycling capacity in the sector, that has diverted this plastics waste from landfill.
Polyco’s commitment to eradicating plastic waste aligns perfectly with AEL’s ethos, focusing on environmental stewardship and education. The bursary programme will empower these individuals to realise their potential in promoting environmental sustainability and responsible waste management. Polyco will continue working with its members and other stakeholders to develop the country’s recycling capacity through innovation, education and financial support so that we can end plastic waste while developing local economies and creating jobs.
The bursaries have been awarded to the following candidates:
- Chrizaan Beukman
- Sunguti Tosca Maluleke
- Sinisha Seekoei
- Ronaldo Waters
- Eldrick Cloete
- Ntswaki Ananché Ramothepane
- Lutho Sipika
- Nakisha Bock
For more information about Polyco or the Million+ programme, please visit: www.polyco.co.za or www.millionplusrecyclers.co.za.