Tiger Brands partners with Fibre Circle to promote recycling education in Gauteng schools

SOUTH AFRICA – Tiger Brands has joined Fibre Circle’s Zithande Mzansi Green Schools initiative to advance environmental sustainability and promote economic empowerment across communities in Gauteng.

Five schools in Katlehong and Vosloorus, Ikusasalethu Primary, Polokegong Primary, Katlehong Primary, Manzini Primary, and Umtholo Primary, have been enrolled in the program, which integrates recycling education with income-generating opportunities for schools and local small waste collection enterprises.

Fibre Circle, the producer responsibility organization (PRO) for the paper and paper packaging sector, launched Zithande Mzansi to promote recycling, improve food security, and instill environmental awareness among learners.

The program equips teachers and pupils with colour-coded recycling bins, educational materials aligned with the national curriculum, and continuous training sessions.

Participating schools collect and sort recyclable waste, which they sell to nearby buy-back centres to earn rebates.

These funds are reinvested into school projects and environmental initiatives, while supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) within the waste management value chain.

Benefiting SMMEs are also part of Fibre Circle’s Development Program, which offers tailored mentoring, experiential learning, and business support.

“The Zithande Mzansi program aligns with our commitment to nurturing a circular economy by diverting waste from landfill, reducing environmental impact, and creating shared value through inclusive enterprise development,” said Maanda Milubi, Enterprise and Supplier Development and Transformation Director at Tiger Brands.

“This partnership allows us to make a tangible difference by integrating sustainability education into school life and showing learners how recycling can generate real economic opportunities.”

Fibre Circle CEO Edith Leeuta highlighted the initiative’s long-term impact on both environmental responsibility and community empowerment.

“Through the Zithande Mzansi program, we’re instilling sustainable habits in young people while raising awareness about the value of recycling. By helping schools manage their own recycling systems, we’re not only reducing waste but also enabling communities to take ownership of change,” she said.

Launched in 2022, Zithande Mzansi has so far onboarded 158 schools and aims to reach 100 more nationwide by 2026.

As landfill challenges persist across South Africa, the program positions schools as catalysts for behavioural change and introduces learners to future careers in environmental sciences, waste management, and the circular economy.

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