Building inclusive growth through Enterprise Development: Lessons for the waste management sector

In the waste management industry, enterprise development is more than a compliance requirement — it is a catalyst for building resilient supply chains, unlocking social value, and advancing environmental goals. At EnviroServ, ESG and sustainability are not peripheral concepts but guiding principles that shape how we operate, how we partner, and how we contribute to society.

Over the past three years, we have partnered with Vutwa Waste Services, a growing business based in Etwatwa, Gauteng, through our enterprise development programme. This collaboration demonstrates how structured support — financial, technical, and relational — can help small businesses thrive while addressing broader social challenges. Today, Vutwa employs 48 full-time staff, a direct outcome of investment in people and communities.

Earlier this year, Vutwa approached us with a proposal that addressed key waste management challenges in their community. Recognising the potential impact, we awarded them a R60,000 grant, enabling the purchase of equipment to establish their new Buyback Centre. Officially opened on 3 October 2025, the centre is more than a business milestone; it represents a practical model for circular economy innovation at community level.

This success was celebrated with strong representation from government and community leaders. Their presence underlines a critical point for our sector: enterprise development flourishes when business, government, and communities work together.

For industry peers, the Vutwa story offers valuable lessons:

Alignment with ESG frameworks matters: Linking enterprise support to the UN SDGs ensures relevance beyond compliance.

Partnerships create resilience: By embedding SMMEs in our ecosystem, we strengthen value chains while creating social impact.

Community engagement drives legitimacy: Local trust, built over time, is as important as financial support.

At EnviroServ, we believe that when enterprise development is done right, it creates a triple dividend — social, environmental, and economic. As waste management professionals, we have the responsibility and the opportunity to expand this impact, ensuring our industry remains a driver of sustainable development in South Africa and beyond.