Dr Cathy Dzerefos, 
our school waste warrior

Rustenburg – This month, the PET Recycling Company (PETCO) – South Africa’s national body for PET recycling announced the winners of its annual PETCO awards.

These are presented to industry and community achievers for their efforts to recycle plastic bottles in South Africa. Among the national winners was one recipient from Rustenburg. 

Category: CEO Special Award – School Waste Warrior

Although this category was not a part of the original call for nominations, these individuals have made a significant impact on waste management and minimisation in South Africa through their work and are worthy of being recognised.

Winner: Dr Cathy Dzerefos, WESSA (Geelhoutpark Ext 6, Rustenburg)

Dr Dzerefos’s work centres around teaching healthier alternatives to burning waste and finding creative ways to re-use it to beautify school grounds or to sell.

The schools Cathy supports have participated in 10 community clean-ups this year, and 13 earthworm farms have been set up at schools in tyres or towers gardens to re-use organic waste from school feeding schemes.