Samsung Continues To Create Sustainable Opportunities In E-Waste Industry

Working in partnership with Government, Samsung South Africa is developing e-waste businesses, ensuring they play an integral role in the industry’s future

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 04 May 2021 – As part of Samsung’s R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), under the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment that was launched in March 2019, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) embarked on an initiative to provide opportunities for Black Industrialists (BI’s) in the Recycling sector. Through this initiative Samsung has become an integral partner in the creation and support of black-owned businesses that can manage and impact Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE).

After stringent evaluation, due diligence and presentations to the steering committee, that included representation from the dtic, The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Samsung South Africa, two black women owned businesses – Ilanga E-Waste Management and Matongoni General Trading were selected to participate in the programme.

“We applaud Samsung for this important milestone on their EEIP journey. B-BBEE in South Africa should be supported, promoted and implemented, in particular by big corporates like Samsung. The South African Constitution laid the foundation for a creation of a coherent and inclusive economy. This will only be possible if the SouthAfrican economy builds on the full potential of all persons and communities across the length and breadth of our country.  B-BBEE policy is at the centre of government’s strategy to create such an inclusive economy. This initiative by Samsung is a great example of the policy in action”, said Jacob Maphutha, Chief Director: B-BBEE Policy at the dtic

The programme is structured in two phases. The first phase supports the establishment and growth of Black Industrialists in the e-waste value chains who specialise in collection, dismantling and pre-processing. The second phase aims to partner with industry specialists to develop and introduce beneficiation technology to the BI’s.

“Samsung’s investment in our company has been a complete game-changer for the team. It plays a major role in our business’s capability to meet our long-term fiscal objectives and remain aligned to our vision of a more sustainable future for the country,” said Maria Rakgalakane, Managing Director of Ilanga E-Waste Management.

Ultimately, the investment over the next three years will provide the BI’s with much-needed funding to capitalise the business for plant, equipment and operational expenditure.

“Samsung is focused on the growth of entrepreneurship in South Africa, our investment in the development of e-waste programmes amongst others, is testament to this. The selection of e-waste companies and the support provided plays a pivotal role in affirming Samsung’s commitment to not only growing South Africa’s e-waste economy but also preserving the nation’s natural resources. It is an essential part of Samsung’s mission to put the environment first in all business operations, with several long-term sustainability programmes that include sustainable packaging design and the reduction of carbon footprints through the use of recycled materials. Critically, the positive impact on the environment will result in lasting change that benefits all South Africans,” says Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa