Nampak & Honorary Rangers donate bins.

Friday September 3^rd 2010 – Skukuza Kruger National Park

The Johannesburg Honorary Rangers with the valued financial support of Nampak officially handed over the first 182 Stainless steel baboon proof dustbins to Skukuza and the Kruger National Park. The new improved bins not only keep our intelligent friends at bay but also contribute to the recycling process. The bins have been cleverly designed with 2 separate compartments to start the process of packaging separation at source, which is considered best practice.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Abe Sibiya, managing executive for the Kruger National Park, said that the project is a major part of the waste system management service in the park which seeks to control paper, plastic, glass, metal and cardboard wastage for recycling purpose which is the park’s contribution towards sound environmental management. “I am confident that the stainless steel dustbins that we are going to officially receive today will go a long way in assisting us to manage our waste in the park which is also going to provide a learning opportunity for the rest of the national parks in the country under SANParks”, continued Sibiya.

Speaking on behalf of the Honorary Rangers, Janssen Davies, chairperson of NEC Honorary Rangers reinforced the notion that the system installed was only as good as the recovery process which followed. An educational piece is still required to be rolled out to all SANParks staff to ensure the system is effective. It was under these conditions that Executive Director of Nampak, Mr. Fezekile Tshiqi confirmed the continued financial and active support of Nampak going forward. Nampak has a vision for the recycling in SANParks and this is the first step in ensuring Kruger and SANParks operate best practice.

Nampak has this year alone donated R700 000 worth of funding towards these bins and committed a further R100 000 to still be spent this year. The first test bins posed a few problems and this further donation will ensure these are ironed out. An unbelievable commitment to the environment and dedication to ensure the project is a success.

Thanks must go to the Nampak CSI committee for their support of this project and the commitment shown to the ongoing success. A further acknowledgment must go to Andrew Marthinusen who has single handedly pulled the necessary groups together and driven the project. It is members and quality of people such as Andrew that we would like to continue to attract to HR’s.

The project is long form over and phase 2 will be planned shortly. Watch this space.

A final thanks to, Kruger National Park for hosting the event, Mr. Abe Sibiya, Ms. Sithembile Mhlophe, Mr. William Mbasa, Mr Derek Visagie, Nampaks CSI Committee, Mr.Fezekile Tshiqi, Mr Janssen Davies, Mr. Andrew Marthinusen, press representatives and finally the JHB region.