The Institute of Waste Management for Southern Africa celebrates an impressive milestone: 50 Years! That is how long the institute has been serving the waste management sector, adding knowledge, innovation, support, and connection.

During those 50 years, the organisation has been helmed by trusted members of the IWMSA who take on the responsibility of steering the organisation through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

At this year’s WasteCon, a biannual conference organised by the IWMSA, the institute takes stock of the last 50 years and will use this unique platform to spotlight the past presidents in a unique panel that brings these past voices to the foreground. The event will host a panel of past presidents to enter a discussion on the IWMSA over the last 50 years: how it has changed, how it has remained steadfast to its mandate.

Ahead of the conference, ReSource managed to get input from some of these past presidents, and we asked them to share their thoughts with us before their panel at WasteCon.

Jarrod Ball 1994-1996

The IWMSA is an instrumental organisation; for example, from the mid–1970s to the early 1980’s, the IWMSA succeeded in changing the status of the “lowly municipal cleansing function” into the “formal discipline of Waste Management”.

And then from the mid 1970’s until the present, the IWMSA has consistently promoted the science and practice of waste management through ongoing education and technology transfer.

What advice would you give to a new president as they take up the role?

Continue to promote the science and practice of waste management through ongoing education and technology transfer; never losing sight of the practicability, the economic realities and sustainability.

Suzan Oelofse 2013-2016

For five decades, the IWMSA has provided the leadership, professional community and technical foundation that have supported the development of South Africa’s waste management sector. By connecting people, sharing knowledge, developing skills and promoting sound environmental practice, the Institute has enabled practitioners to respond to evolving legislative, technological and societal challenges. Its enduring contribution lies not only in influencing policy and practice, but also in nurturing a professional community committed to protecting the environment, recovering resources and improving the quality of life of all South Africans.

What advice would you give to a new president as they take up the role?

Lead with integrity, listen with humility and act with courage. Build bridges rather than silos, develop people rather than programmes, and focus on creating lasting value rather than short-term achievements. If, at the end of your term, IWMSA is more respected, more inclusive, more influential and better equipped to serve both its members and society, then your presidency will have been a success.

Leon Grobbelaar 2018-2020

The IWMSA provides a platform where government, municipalities, academia, and the private sector can collaborate to address the region’s waste management challenges. Through training, technical guidance, conferences, research, and policy engagement, the Institute contributes significantly to improving environmental compliance, resource recovery, and the transition towards a circular economy.

What advice would you give to a new president as they take up the role?

“Leave the Institute stronger than you found it.”

Every President builds on the work of those who came before and prepares the way for those who will follow. Success should not be measured only by conferences hosted or policies influenced, but by the lasting impact the Institute has on the profession, the environment, and the people who dedicate their careers to improving waste management. If the next President can inspire collaboration, uphold technical excellence, mentor the next generation, and continue to position the IWMSA as the trusted voice of the industry, they will make a lasting contribution to both the Institute and Southern Africa’s environmental future.

Brendon Jewaskiewitz 2020-2022

The IWMSA is a special and important organisation in that although it is not a statutory body with regulatory powers, it has the potential to generate collective influence and power by bringing the vastly diverse waste management sector together to achieve positive outcomes that would otherwise not be possible. This can only be done through the direct involvement and collaboration of positive, knowledgeable and truly altruistic people, and the IWMSA’s role should be to attract, educate and empower the many participants in the waste management sector, with the ultimate goal of improving the way in which waste is managed and bridging the many gaps between the public and private sector.

What advice would you give to a new president as they take up the role?

I would advise the new president to remain steadfast and to stay the course. The commitment made to the IWMSA in this role demands significant time, effort, and attention to detail, and it must be given to the best of their ability. I would also advise them to listen to the differing views of all involved; there is much to be learned from those with different backgrounds and training, and to involve those who show willingness and enthusiasm actively. Finally, I would also advise them to keep in touch with the needs of the IWMSA membership base, as they will always be looking for value in their membership of the IWMSA.

Mpendulo Ginindza 2022-2024

The IWMSA plays a vital role in professionalising and strengthening the waste management sector. Waste management is still not always fully understood or appreciated as a profession, even among some stakeholders working within the sector. Yet it requires specialised technical knowledge, ethical leadership, effective governance and continuous professional development.

The Institute helps to build this professional identity by connecting practitioners, promoting knowledge exchange, supporting professional development and providing a credible platform through which the sector can engage government, industry, academia and communities. Its role extends beyond serving its members: it helps demonstrate that sound waste management is fundamental to environmental protection, public health, resource efficiency, the circular economy and sustainable development.

What advice would you give to a new president as they take up the role?

Take good care of yourself, body, mind and soul because your ability to serve the Institute effectively depends on your own wellbeing and resilience. The presidency is both an honour and a significant responsibility. It requires strategic thinking, difficult decisions, listening to different perspectives and balancing the immediate needs of the organisation with its long-term interests.

Lead with purpose, but do not try to carry everything alone. Draw on the strengths of the Council, branches, staff, members, young professionals and regional partners. Protect the institutional integrity of IWMSA, invest in relationships and make decisions that will continue to benefit the Institute after your term has ended.

Ultimately, leadership is not measured only by what is achieved while you are in office, but also by the people, systems, partnerships and opportunities that remain and continue to grow after you have left.

Patricia Schröder 2024-2026

IWMSA drives sustainable practices by uniting industry professionals. As a central knowledge hub, the institute helps companies build best practices and reduce environmental and human health impacts through effective waste management.

What advice would you give to a new president as they take up the role?

Prioritise maintaining a stellar reputation while advancing the proud legacy of the institute. Moving forward, the leadership must anchor the organisation’s core focus around regenerative, circular economy principles.