Cabinet Greenlights Plan for Managing Industrial Waste Tires

The cabinet has given the green light for implementing the Industry Waste Tire Management Plan (IndWTMP), Minister in the Presidency of South Africa Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced Thursday after the cabinet meeting.

The approval for waste tire management plan came after thorough development spanning multiple years involving several rounds of public consultation.

"The IndWTMP provides a plan to divert 100% of new waste tires from storage, while simultaneously targeting the processing of existing stockpiles," Ntshavheni said, SA News reported.

The minister added, "This will be done through the development of additional waste tire processing capacity, which will be supported by the government through market development initiatives."

Waste tire collections will also be expanded through the enhancement of transport and depot operation services, which will be overseen by regional implementers to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Moreover, the plan is designed to offer additional opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) operating within townships as it is aligned with the National Township Economy Revitalization Policy and Implementation Plan.

The minister emphasized that more attention will be given to empowering and involving youth, women, and individuals with disabilities in order to promote socio-economic development across diverse demographic communities.

"These opportunities include the planned expansion of micro-collection and micro-depot networks to all nine provinces," she said.

The minister also explained that SMMEs will be supported by the Departments of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment and Small Business Development so that these small businesses can take advantage of opportunities stemming from the expansion, ensuring effective delivery of the waste tire value chain.

"The MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] between the two departments on SMME support will be expanded to specifically include waste tires," as per the minister.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile earlier this week urged for the removal of red tape to facilitate easier cross-border trade for African entrepreneurs.