City-supported better.bellville.together making a lasting impact
A City-supported initiative, the better.bellville.together programme, to expand inclusive economic growth in the northern suburbs is making a lasting impact for communities in the region. Read more below:
The better.bellville.together programme, administered by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), has been running for two years and focuses on place-making, improving waste management, and supporting projects for small businesses and informal traders.
‘Through better.bellville.together, we are seeing businesses working together to enhance spaces with better lighting, accessible wayfinding, and revitalising infrastructure. This in turn has led to improved safety and visually appealing public areas that residents are more eager to experience,’ said Alderman James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.
Under the banner of the waste reduction project, successes include:
- 52 jobs created;
- 181 437kg of waste recycled;
- 75 businesses engaged in the recycling initiative;
- Engaging 26 380 school pupils and 1 884 teachers in the Zero Waste Schools Project
- 12 658kg of food waste, 13 515kg of paper, 1 247kg of plastic, and 733kg of glass recycled;
- 38 610kg of CO₂ emissions prevented;
- Organic waste composted for 13 gardens, saving R60 000 annually;
- A Zero-Waste Trader trial is under way to help traders transition to more sustainable packaging;
- Introducing bulk bins and gravity dispensers for snacks and sweets to reduce packaging waste;
- Upcycling discarded materials like paper potato bags into useful products;
- Joined forces with the Electronic Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) to integrate advanced waste management solutions while creating work opportunities for waste collectors.
Last year, the GTP’s Mobile Artisan Skills Centre was established with the aim of giving unemployed youths woodworking training. After hosting 12 workshops, several students have already been placed in practical internships, gaining on-the-job experience at active construction sites.
‘As critical as the waste diversion is for our city, it is just one part of an ecosystem that is cleaning up the area, educating our communities and providing employment opportunities for those who fell out of the economic system. It has been really rewarding and we are very grateful to the City for their support,’ said Warren Hewitt, CEO of the GTP.
Support for small, medium and micro-enterprises
A focal point of better.bellville.together is supporting SMMEs, both as part of the waste reduction and place-making efforts, and through initiatives such as the Bellville Business Expo, a platform for upskilling, networking and showcasing regional businesses.
‘Looking ahead, the SMME support project will unveil Bellville Connect, a digital marketplace connecting businesses, traders and investors as well as the Virtual Business Hub, an online resource where entrepreneurs can find mentorship, training and networking opportunities to support their growth and sustainability,’ said Alderman Vos.
If you or your organisation would like to be part of or know more about better.bellville.together, contact ce*@*****rg.za or call the GTP on 021 823 6713.
