The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) recognises the growing need for a proactive and informed approach to waste and resource management in South Africa. To this end, they offer both accredited and non-accredited waste management training courses, designed to help individuals, companies and government bodies to develop more sustainable waste management practices and policies.

“Pest- and vermin-infestation, toxins from hazardous chemical waste, injury and disease are just some of the ill-effects of poor waste management, and these have far-reaching and highly detrimental consequences,” says Deidre Nxumalo-Freeman, IWMSA President.

“The only way to combat poor waste management practices is by empowering society with the necessary skills, knowledge, confidence and ongoing support, so that they can contribute positively to their workplaces, environments and communities.”

Nxumalo-Freeman is quick to add that an increasing number of organisations are coming on board and acknowledging the need for professional environmental training; hundreds of workers have already benefitted from IWMSA waste management training since its inception.

The IWMSA’s non-accredited waste management course covers the broad aspects of waste management, including waste management principles; waste collection, transfer, and transport; waste minimisation; and waste treatment and disposal. The non-accredited courses in hazardous waste trains learners to identify, classify, handle, transport, treat and dispose of hazardous waste correctly, and in accordance with current legislation.

The course delegates earn credits toward a learnership for the SETA-accredited training courses offered by the IWMSA.  Specific waste-related unit standards are offered ranging from NQF Levels 1 to 4. This outcomes-based training is conducted by professional, fully accredited facilitators, assessors and moderators with tried and tested content and skills that make a real difference to the attendees’ workplaces, communities and careers.

IWMSA waste management training courses are conducted throughout the year at various venues in the Gauteng region, KZN, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. Comprehensive information regarding IWMSA’s training programmes can be found on their website at www.iwmsa.co.za. Alternatively, contact Gail Smit on (011) 675 3462 or email iwmsa@telkomsa.net.

The IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals – all experts in their respective fields – who give freely of their time and experience in order to effectively promote the practice of waste management.