Philip Morris South Africa (PMSA) joined forces with the local Boksburg community for a local environmental effort at Cinderella Dam on Friday, 20 September 2024, as part of World Clean Up Day.
The cleanup saw employees from the PMSA group partnering with local businesses, residents and volunteers to clear waste and debris from the dam and surrounding areas. Their efforts were aimed at reducing the risk of pollution blocking stormwater drains in the area, which has been highlighted by the Ekurhuleni councillor as an urgent environmental priority.
“We believe that sustainability goes beyond our business operations,” says Branislav Bibic, Area Vice President Sub-Saharan Africa at Philip Morris International. “Our focus on Cinderella Dam allows us to address a key environmental issue that affects the Boksburg community and make a real impact on the state of our local waterways.”
According to the World Bank’s report “What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050,” the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, and this figure is projected to increase by nearly 70 percent to 3.4 billion metric tonnes by 2050.
“We are dedicated to continually enhancing our business practices and working towards meeting the highest environmental sustainability standards, with a strong focus on climate protection, reducing litter, eco-friendly design of our products, water conservation, waste management, and preserving biodiversity,” says Bibic.
Building a smoke-free future is a key focus for PMSA. But there are other important societal and environmental issues the company places importance on, including tackling pollution and raising awareness about the importance of sustainable living in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12), which promotes responsible consumption and production.
“As businesses, we have a responsibility to uplift the communities we operate in. This cleanup is part of our broader commitment to environmental sustainability and making a positive contribution to society,” Bibic added.
“This movement must persist. We need to educate everyone about the importance of not littering. By doing so, we can reduce illegal dumping sites and create a cleaner environment,” said Kathrine Klassen, Ekurhuleni Ward Councillor.
Beyond the hands-on cleanup, PMSA and the National Business Initiative (NBI) will also run educational sessions to highlight the importance of waste management and encourage sustainable living habits. By fostering environmental awareness within the community, the organisers hope to inspire a lasting culture of responsibility and care for the local environment.
While these cleanups are not a permanent fix, Bibic says, they do draw attention to the issue of littering and show how the power of community can drive change.
“Recognising that sustainability is a collective responsibility, we actively collaborate with customers, suppliers, communities, and stakeholders to achieve our goals,” concludes Bibic.