The Gauteng Department of Environment took to cleaning the Denver Men’s Hostel in Johannesburg, on Thursday.
The clean up was led by Ewan Botha, the MEC of Environment in Gauteng.
Pikitup and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants actively assisted the Department.
Botha congratulated EPWP participants on successfully completing their PETCO training, recognising the value of skills development in building a stronger and more inclusive waste economy.
He encouraged participants to use the knowledge gained to pursue opportunities beyond the programme and grow into entrepreneurs within the waste sector.
“Waste is not just a problem — it is an opportunity for jobs, innovation and economic growth” he said.
He also said the solution lies in separating waste at source, expanding buy-back centres, investing in integrated waste management facilities, composting food waste, recycling materials and creating waste-to-energy solutions.
Picture: Supplied