The EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) cares deeply for not just the environment and the sustainability of the country, but also the women who hold the power to ensure a bright future for all
The EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) is a key producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), lighting, paper and packaging, and portable batteries sectors.
Founded in 2008, eWASA initially operated as an EEE Waste Association company. Over time, it has transformed into the EPR Waste Association of South Africa, functioning as a PRO that oversees producers and ensures they uphold environmental accountability for their products in line with regulations and standards.
As one of only a few PROs registered for all the extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, eWASA affords its members the benefit of joining one PRO for all EPR requirements.
eWASA has a unique offering and prides itself in supporting their producer and recycler members through circular sustainable solutions for the material they put out into the South African market. The eWASA team specialises in ensuring that projects and activities are geared towards SMME development, job creation, and end market supply chain development.
The entity represents some of the largest producers within the household electrical and electronic industry, who have producer responsibility as mandated by the November 2020 EPR Regulations.
eWASA has demonstrated notable progress in EPR and sustainable initiatives, solidifying its position as the premier organisation in this field.
A focus on sustainability and innovation
The leadership within eWASA plays a vital role in driving sustainability and fostering innovation within the company.
By establishing a clear vision, promoting a culture of sustainability, and encouraging innovative thinking, the leaders motivate employees to prioritise environmental stewardship and explore novel approaches to waste reduction, process enhancement, and eco-friendly/eco-modulated product development.
Through effective communication, strategic decision-making, and leading by example, the leadership team cultivates a sustainable and inventive atmosphere that benefits both the organisation and the environment.
Leadership at eWASA drives sustainability and innovation within the organisation by recognising and accepting a new reality in which pathways to organic growth are accelerated by building portfolios of compelling and differentiated offerings for well-understood customer and market segments.
The entity is building powerful innovation platforms supported by a rich pipeline of products and services, and a more robust network of sources and partners who can deliver superior value across the extended enterprise.
The eWASA team stays abreast of international best practice, but tailors their offering to suit the unique South African market.
By engaging closely with local industry, eWASA can offer members projects and solutions for their products while delivering on EPR requirements. A closed circular approach towards their projects ensures creative solutions for the South African market.
The importance of women empowerment
At eWASA, there is a strong belief in and promotion of the empowerment of women.
Female empowerment fosters gender equality, ensuring that women have equal opportunities and rights as their male counterparts. It promotes a more inclusive and diverse society where everyone can contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
Empowering women positively also impacts economic growth. Research indicates that when women are empowered and fully engaged in the workforce, it can enhance productivity and innovation. Empowering women also enhances overall health and well-being, given their significant role in family and community health, which in turn establishes a fairer, prosperous, and sustainable world for all.
The paper and packaging department at eWASA is made up entirely of women. The belief is that their unique offering is their innovative and proactive strategic approach. The entity collaborates very well and thrives because of their team spirit, and the fact that support for each other is encouraged. A shared vision of creating a space where women have opportunities and a thriving career-oriented approach is important to eWASA.
In addition, eWASA has a range of initiatives on the go to empower women and create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, including:
- Access to educational programmes and opportunities that help women excel and achieve their maximum potential, while creating avenues for personal and professional growth;
- eWASA creates a nurturing environment that promotes ongoing learning, development, and prosperity for women;
- Leadership opportunities arise through leadership development programmes and pathways to advancement to empower the eWASA women to take on leadership roles within the company; and
- Flexible work arrangements help the women of eWASA to balance work and personal responsibilities.
The superstars of eWASA
To celebrate Women’s Month, the floor was opened to four of eWASA’s powerhouse women, who each gave us some insight into their unique contributions, roles and responsibilities, and overall importance to the entity.
Lucille Charles—Manager—Environmental Audit & Compliance
”As a woman in this industry, I am passionate about the critical role women play in developing solutions. Women bring resilience, creativity, and innovation to the table, with no limits on what we can achieve.
Recently, I collaborated with the United Nations Global Innovation Hub team to deliver their seventh systemic innovation workshop. This workshop brought together senior leadership from various sectors to create meaningful change and actionable projects. I was honored to be nominated as the circularity and waste management focus group project team lead, guiding a diverse team in developing a scalable solution. This recognition highlights the growing acknowledgment of women as leaders in this space, a reflection I hold with pride.
Our unique insights as women are invaluable, particularly in the environmental sector. I am equipped to advise and guide solutions from both a policy development and technical standpoint. By leveraging my expertise, I work to drive economic systems toward sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of effective waste management and environmental preservation. Additionally, I assist our members in managing waste according to legal requirements and in tracking the organization’s progress toward environmental goals and obligations.”
Vanessa Mashele—Key Accounts Manager
“As a Key Accounts Manager at eWASA, I oversee the day-to-day Key Accounts, driving business growth and ensuring the overall success of the organisation. I also build and maintain strong relationships with clients and serve as the main point of contact.
“I am responsible for understanding client needs, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maximising business opportunities with existing and new accounts.”
“At eWASA, we are enabled to take initiative, make decisions, and solve complex problems, which fosters self-confidence, assuredness, and self-determination while contributing to social change.”
Shereen Joseph—Administration Manager and PA to CEO
“I began my journey at eWASA as an administrator in 2021 and have since advanced to the Administration Manager/Personal Assistant position. I have developed within the organisation and have been instrumental in laying the groundwork as the foundation for the administration of extended producer responsibility functions at eWASA.
“I ensure the smooth operation of eWASA, assist in maintaining a well-organised and efficient workplace, and support the organisation’s overall success.
“My roles and responsibilities, as well as overall importance, include overseeing administrative functions, managing resources, coordinating office activities, and providing support to staff, often playing a crucial role in maintaining organisational efficiency, streamlining processes, and ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly. I manage all administrative, HR, procurement, and membership functions.”
Adri Spangenberg—Key Accounts Manager
“I have been in the industry since 2008, and working for eWASA has been a career highlight. Our strong team of women, especially the younger generation, has shown that women in the recycling industry have a unique and important role to play. Even though the industry is male dominated, we bring innovation and diversity to this space.
“Many women have started their own recycling businesses within their communities, and as women, we support each other in achieving our goals. Empowering the younger generation is my passion, and I have seen the eWASA team of ladies step up and make a difference.”
