Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MATABELELAND South Province has escalated its waste management campaign, the “Zero-Waste Movement,” with multiple organisations collaborating to encourage responsible waste disposal and sustainable practices throughout the region. Launched in March 2025, the initiative was officially rolled out yesterday under the banner: “The Globe is our Home — Zero Waste, My Responsibility.”
This development follows the First Lady, Dr Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa’s endorsement of the Global Zero-Waste Goodwill Declaration, aimed at promoting sustainable waste management practices globally. The Government, in collaboration with mining and recycling companies, has committed to several strategies in support of the provincial zero-waste campaign. These include the installation of waste sorting cages, regular cleaning of the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway, placement of bins in towns and along major roads, and systematic waste collection.
Speaking at the provincial launch held in Gwanda yesterday, the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, said the success of the initiative depends on a multi-stakeholder approach and active participation from every citizen.
“The roll-out of this programme signifies our commitment, as a province, to creating a waste-free society. For this philosophy to succeed, all stakeholders must play their part. Industry must invest in greener technologies and recycling initiatives, making the sector more attractive and sustainable. Let us incentivise industry, ensure safe working conditions, and add value to the recycling chain to help grow the sector. This in turn will create employment opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Cde Nguluvhe emphasised that illegal dumping by individuals and organisations must become a thing of the past. He called for stricter policy enforcement and a radical shift in individual behaviour, urging citizens to adopt the “3Rs” of waste management: Reduce, Reuse and Recover.
He commended corporate organisations and other stakeholders for supporting the Zero-Waste Movement.
“Let us start by reducing the amount of waste generated, from the domestic level right through to corporate institutions. Then, we recycle what can be recycled and recover valuable materials from residual waste. If we follow this approach, achieving zero waste is possible.
“As you are all aware, the Government introduced the National Clean-Up Day in December 2018, promoting a whole-of-society voluntary approach led by His Excellency, the President, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa. We must now enhance this initiative by separating waste during clean-up efforts to benefit the recycling and recovery sectors,” he said.
He described the Zero-Waste Movement as a women’s agenda, calling for support from men and institutions to realise the global vision of empowering women in waste management. He urged spouses of Government officials, business leaders, legislators, traditional leaders, SMEs, faith-based and community-based organisations, and local authorities to take an active role in the initiative. He also called on local authorities, industry players and corporates to prioritise education and awareness on waste management, particularly targeting young people.
The world is grappling with an unprecedented environmental crisis, driven by unsustainable consumption habits and poor waste practices.
The Global Zero-Waste Movement has emerged as a response, advocating for a radical transformation in how societies produce, consume, and discard waste. The movement seeks to drastically reduce the amount of waste sent to dumpsites, landfills, and incinerators. Instead, it promotes a circular economy that focuses on reduction, reuse, and recycling.
The Matabeleland South Zero-Waste Movement forms part of the broader Global Zero-Waste Movement adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 14 December 2022. Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Dr Mnangagwa, who is also the country’s environmental patron, was among the 30 First Ladies worldwide who signed the pledge. — @DubeMatutu
