​​​The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Environment and Infrastructure Services, through its Waste Management and Regulation Unit, hosted an awards ceremony on 22 July 2025 to recognise trainees of the Garden Waste Chipping Operations project.

The initiative identifies suitable garden waste sites, assesses their readiness, ensures compliance with waste management regulations, and trains staff in the safe use of chipping machinery, including proper application of personal protective equipment.

The awards coincided with a visit by representatives from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who were in Johannesburg to observe progress on the Climate Action Implementation (CAI) Programme and the C40 Cities Finance Facility (CFF).

A total of 30 participants—15 from Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) and 15 from Pikitup—received hands-on training to operate chipping machinery. The programme was supported by Madam Waste and partners including C40 Cities.

The City has prioritised organic waste diversion as a key element of its Climate Action Plan, aligned to its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Garden Waste Chipping Operations project plays a critical role in this strategy, by turning green waste into usable mulch instead of letting it end up in landfills.

Makhosazana Mtshali, Director of the Waste Management and Regulation Unit, commended the graduates: “The most important people here today are those receiving certificates. You are now the ambassadors of this project.”

She added that the City’s Integrated Waste Management Plan targets include diverting 50% of green waste by 2029 and 70% by 2035. Martha Rapala from JCPZ said participants gained valuable experience and are now fully qualified to operate the machinery.

Written by Dudu Lushaba