18 November 2019 

The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Barbara Creecy, will host a Plastic Colloquium at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg from 21 to 22 November 2019.

The Plastic Colloquium will bring together all key stakeholders from government, industry and civil society to come up with clear objectives that will influence action to reduce littering and the huge quantities of plastic waste that are entering the country’s river systems, wetlands and the ocean.

The emphasis will be recent research, awareness campaigns, international best practise and action in tackling plastic waste. The seven key areas to be discussed by working groups are: Product standards, Product design, Integration of the informal waste economy, Biodegradable and compostable plastics, Infrastructure and Consumer Education & Awareness. 

During the 2019/20 Budget Speech for the Department of Environmental Affairs, Minister Creecy said the management of waste and in particular single-use plastic waste is a matter that requires the most urgent and pressing attention of not only government, but also of industry and citizens in general.

An exhibition will be held on 21 November focusing on current projects and business models being used for the management, collection, recycling and reuse of plastic waste. Numerous side events will be held during the day.

On 22 November, the Minister will deliver a keynote address, followed by a panel discussion by experts in plastic waste management. 

Media are invited to attend and cover the plastic colloquium as follows:

Media Briefing 
Date: 21 November 2019
Time: 11:00 for 11:30am
Venue: Birchwood Conference Centre, 14 View Point Road, Bardene, Boksburg

Opening of Colloquium and Panel Discussion:

Date: 22 November 2019
Time: 08:30
Venue: Birchwood Conference Centre, 14 View Point Road, Bardene, Boksburg

To RSVP contact: 
Banele Mabena
Tel: 012 399 9989
Cell: 066 420 0144
E-mail: smabena@environment.gov.za or

Eleanor Momberg
cell: 083 400 5741
E-mail: emomberg@environment.gov.za

For media inquiries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871