VUT Science Park champions environmental responsibility with e-waste project

SOUTH AFRICA – The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has launched an e-waste container-based community enterprise project.

 The project is a collaboration between VUT, Tirelo Bosha, the Department of Environmental Affairs, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA), and the e-Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA).

This initiative aims to address unemployment in townships around the Sedibeng District Municipality while developing new e-waste recycling technology.

“Today marks one of those exciting moments in the history of our university. The E-Waste Project has not received the recognition it deserves,” said Mr. Subash Dowlath of SDB Holdings.

“As time evolves, we have come to see the importance of e-waste. This launch gives VUT an opportunity to become one of the best in Southern Gauteng.”

VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Gordon Zide highlighted the project’s significance, stating that it allows VUT to be a leader in Southern Gauteng.

He also mentioned plans to establish an academic program from certificate to PhD in e-waste management through the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, led by Executive Dean Prof. Raymond Mabuza and Executive Director of the Science Park, Dr. Joseph Molete.

Prof. Zide emphasized the importance of the university’s presence and the growth of the project in the Sedibeng District Municipality and beyond.

Prof. Zide proudly noted that the project was launched during Africa Month, a time celebrating the continent’s richness and diversity and recognizing its importance and relevance.

The launch event brought together stakeholders who expressed their appreciation for being part of the project and its potential to transform the community through skills training and research opportunities.

The initiative aims to address skill gaps and offer employment opportunities, thereby growing the waste sector.

The program is co-funded by the Department of Public Service & Administration (DPSA) in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the South African Technology Network (SATN).

The waste sector has been globally identified as one of the critical sectors with the potential to contribute substantially to job generation and promote a green economy.

This milestone proves that domestic e-waste management can contribute to job creation, economic growth, and a greener environment. Electrical goods can be recycled and repurposed through sustainable partnerships at the end of their lives.

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