FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
JULY 08, 2024
Manja Pamodzi Champions Recycling for a Plastic-Free July in Lusaka
All have a role to play in developing a green, clean and healthy Zambia
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Manja Pamodzi Foundation Limited, a Zambian Breweries initiative focused on waste management and community empowerment in partnership with BAT, National Breweries, Vivo Energy, and Chilanga Cement, kicked off Plastic-Free July with a renewed commitment to recycling and creating a cleaner Lusaka.
True to its name, Manja Pamodzi (meaning hands together), the Foundation is calling for teamwork in promoting Green, Clean, and Healthy cities in Zambia. The initiative realises the tremendous impact education and awareness play in waste segregation and recycling in the communities as well as improving hygiene and sanitation in townships. Waste is a part of everyday life, but more can be done to ensure that the negative impacts are reduced or done away with.
Speaking during the launch of the aggregator site in Kanyama, Lusaka District Commissioner Ms Rose Zulu commended Manja Pamodzi and its partners for their embodiment of good environmental stewardship, highlighting it as a model for future partnerships across the country, and that the initiative aligns perfectly with the Lusaka City Council’s vision and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations.
The District Commissioner urged other stakeholders to join the initiative, “Let Manja Pamodzi inspire us – together, the private sector, community members, and the council can create a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Lusaka for all.”
Manja Pamodzi, the community-driven initiative exemplified the power of collaboration in tackling plastic pollution. A true testament to the incredible impact possible when both the public and private sectors, work together.
However, it goes beyond waste collection. It empowers communities, particularly women, by creating over 1000 income-generating opportunities as waste collectors and aggregators.
In the Kanyama community, various stakeholders took a step further with the establishment of a new aggregator site which will act as an educational hub, promoting waste management awareness and driving a “waste into cash” mentality.
“The biggest issue in Kanyama Community is the lack of waste management awareness. We need a lot of sensitisation on how to separate waste, especially bottles and plastics. This will prevent us from dumping waste in drainages, which creates a lot of problems. Manja Pamodzi can be a big help in keeping our community clean, especially within residents’ households,” said Chinika Ward Development Committee Chairperson Bridget Shakakaye.
Zambian Breweries Corporate Affairs and Legal Director, Tawanda Hojane, explained that Zambian Breweries aspires to have 100% of its products in packaging that is returnable or made from a majority of recycled content.
“To that end, the company’s Manja Pamodzi initiative advocates for teamwork in promoting green, clean and healthy cities in Zambia. We will train site operators and work with the community,” said Mr Hojane.
Manja Pamodzi serves as a beacon of hope in the fight against pollution. By working together, communities, businesses, and the government can create a plastic-free future for Lusaka and Zambia at large.
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About AB InBev in Zambia
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 500 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Premium Lager, Mosi Light, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle, Stella Artois, and Budweiser.
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