How can we create a fair, sustainable plastics recycling system that benefits both people and the planet? The Social Factory by Oxfam is leading the way in South Africa, integrating informal waste workers into formal waste management systems to ensure fair wages, equitable profit-sharing, and community reinvestment.
In partnership with Ekurhuleni municipality, The Social Factory supports 63 community-based recycling enterprises, proving that social impact and economic sustainability can go hand in hand. With support from TRANSFORM, this initiative is strengthening the plastics value chain through transparency, resilience and shared ownership.
“Cooperatives Build a Better World” is the theme of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80). On launch day, join Yase Godlo, Sustainability and Partnership Manager SnA (Southern Africa) at Unilever, in conversation with Alessandro Innocenti, Technical Advisor at Oxfam South Africa. Together, they’ll explore how this innovative model is reshaping waste management, empowering local communities, and proving that cooperation truly can build a better world.
- How The Social Factory is bridging the gap between informal waste workers and formal recycling systems
- The role of a Community Trust ownership model in ensuring fair profit distribution
- Key lessons for entrepreneurs and policymakers working in waste management
- A look at what’s next for The Social Factory and the future of the circular economy in South Africa
*Please note: this conversation will be pre-recorded. However, both Yase and Alessandro will be available in the comments section to answer any of your questions in real-time.
Run time: ~20 minutes
RSVP and tune in here at 12PM GMT+1, 9 September. Don’t forget to bring your questions! And follow our LinkedIn page for further updates.
