The eThekwini Waste Materials Recovery Industry Development Centre (USE-IT) programme will receive R570,000 in additional funding.

The Economic Development and Planning Committee stated in its report that USE-IT is one of the few initiatives within the municipality that specifically supports the development and growth of the waste economic sector.

The eThekwini Council approved the amendment to the current Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which commenced on 1 January 2025 and concludes on 31 December 2027.

The committee stated that the initiative has delivered reasonably well in the past few years and established a strong focus on rural and township waste economies and job creation within the recycling value chain.

“This is a robust foundation on which to build and expand the program. The municipality has also recognised the importance of stimulating and supporting the green circular economy agenda through its various strategic positioning as one of the potential key contributors to the local and national economy in eThekwini,” the committee stated in its report.