Cleaning up goes beyond the beaches
Championing sustainability across communities
SOUTH AFRICA: Given the state of oceans and the understanding that land-based litter can and does find its way into the sea, clean-up initiatives need to reach further than coastlines and beaches.
On 26 September 2025, to mark World Environmental Health Day, EnviroServ reaffirmed its commitment to embrace active stewardship through a company-wide clean-up initiative during Environmental Awareness Month.
Employees across South Africa, Mozambique, and Uganda dedicated an hour to clearing litter from the streets surrounding their operations, demonstrating that even small, coordinated actions can make a meaningful difference.
As the world increasingly recognises the urgent need for environmental responsibility, companies must look beyond compliance and embrace active stewardship. At EnviroServ, a SUEZ company, sustainability is not just a goal — it is a core value that drives action and community engagement.
The initiative has grown steadily since its launch in 2023, when employees contributed 759 volunteer hours, achieving 36% of the company’s sustainability goal. In 2024, this figure rose to 765 hours, and for 2025, an ambitious target of 2,001 volunteer hours has been set — a target the team is confident of exceeding.
The clean-up at Rietfontein, Gauteng, was a standout example of collaboration. EnviroServ partnered with Komatsu and the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), together collecting over five cubic metres of waste, of which 30% was recyclable. Such partnerships underline an important lesson for the industry; sustainability is most effective when shared across organisations and communities.
“This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together towards a cleaner, healthier planet.”
Esme Gombault, Group Technical Director at EnviroServ, noted, “This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together towards a cleaner, healthier planet.” Executives from both Komatsu and IWMSA echoed this sentiment, highlighting that their participation aligns with corporate values around sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Beyond the immediate environmental impact, initiatives like these foster a culture of sustainability among employees, partners, and communities alike. They demonstrate that environmental responsibility is not limited to policy documents but is lived through tangible action.
For organisations across the waste management and broader environmental services sector, the key takeaway is clear - championing sustainability requires vision, collaboration, and active participation. By investing in programmes that engage employees and partners alike, companies can build long-lasting impact and demonstrate leadership in creating healthier, more resilient communities.
MAIN PHOTO: EnviroServ Mozambique employees get their hands dirty in a company clean-up initiative.
54