The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has launched a national digital repository to strengthen support for waste economy enterprises and improve sector coordination.
The department is encouraging eligible micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs/SMMEs) operating within South Africa’s waste economy to register on the Waste Economy Enterprises Repository of South Africa (WEERSA), a new web- and mobile-based platform designed to connect businesses, improve access to information and support sector growth.
According to the department, the absence of a centralised and up-to-date database has limited government’s ability to understand the sector, develop targeted interventions and allocate resources where they are needed most.
“The absence of a centralised, up-to-date, and user-friendly repository has significantly limited policymakers’ and stakeholders’ ability to access critical sector information, develop evidence-based interventions, allocate resources efficiently, and provide targeted support to MSMEs/SMMEs in the waste economy,” the department said.
WEERSA is expected to serve as a credible national directory of waste economy enterprises, helping government and industry stakeholders make better-informed decisions while creating stronger links between businesses and support programmes.
The platform is open to enterprises with a valid Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) registration number and aims to support both formal and informal businesses operating within the waste value chain.
Beyond improving data collection, the repository will also provide participating businesses with information on funding opportunities, enterprise development programmes and other empowerment initiatives available within the sector.
Government believes the platform will contribute to more inclusive economic growth while strengthening collaboration across South Africa’s growing circular economy.
The key objectives of WEERSA include maintaining an accurate national register of waste sector enterprises, serving as a reliable source of industry information, providing businesses with access to funding and empowerment opportunities, and connecting waste economy enterprises with key stakeholders.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to support entrepreneurship, stimulate job creation and strengthen South Africa’s transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.
