Learning from others

As the stakeholder group is formed and begins to address the NWMS, I would like to submit that it is critical that there is much to be learned from the developed nations (W. Europe / US) in terms of what mistakes were made when they initially began down this path 40 years ago. Let us acknowledge the holes they fell into so we can jump over them and catch up to where they are today.

Rather than fall into the same traps of over-regulation and misplaced incentives, South Africa must leverage the collective knowledge of the international business community to work with the government and NGO's to develop regulations that achieve the desired effect in the most efficient manner as possible.

Fight the urge to create requirements for reports and plans unless there is a clear benefit in doing so. Give regulatory incentives to encourage recycling or other desirable waste disposition options. Most large international companies operate under a certified Environmental Management System (ISO14001) already, so avoid requiring duplication of effort by allowing certified companies to leverage what is already in place.

Remember, the goal is to clean-up and/or maintain a beautiful South Africa, not kill trees creating documents that serve no purpose.