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IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Pick n Pay celebrates World Environment Day with major recycling milestone
Since launching the pilot in 2018, the RVM initiative grew into a national network of 39 machines across Pick n Pay stores in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape. Image: Supplied. Marking World Environment Day 2025 on 5 June 2025, with this year's theme of 'Ending Plastic Pollution', South Africa's major retailer, Pick n Pay celebrated a major environmental milestone: its Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) customer recycling initiative, which has now diverted over 1.1 million plastic and packaging recyclable items from landfill. Since launching the pilot in 2018, the RVM initiative grew into a national network of 39 machines across Pick n Pay stores in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape. Each machine accepts recyclable items, such as plastic bottles, aluminium cans, and glass containers, and rewards customers with Smart Shopper loyalty points, which can be used for everyday purchases. 'What started as a small test has evolved into a movement. This programme has shown that people are willing to recycle when it's made convenient, accessible, and rewarding,' Riley van Rooyen, Sustainability Lead at Pick n Pay, said. As of May 2025, the initiative collected and diverted over 1.1 million recyclable items from landfill, resulting in over 80 000 kgs of waste recycled and an estimated 1 200 tonnes of CO₂e emissions avoided. Customers received a total of over R135 000 in recycling rewards since the pilot launched, and over R56 000 in Smart Shopper points since the integration with the programme in August last year. Each machine can hold up to 750 items and uses barcode recognition technology to ensure the correct sorting of recyclables. 'Ending plastic pollution isn't a one-day project. But this initiative proves that scalable, community-led environmental solutions work. And on this World Environment Day, we're proud to celebrate our plastic reduction initiatives wins with our customers and our partners in the project, who've helped us take over a million small steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future,' van Rooyen added. The retailer has exceeded its Plastic Pact 2025 target for packaging weight, reporting a 38% reduction in average packaging weight. This also builds on the retailer's broader efforts to reduce waste in the environment. Last year, it diverted nearly 13,000 tonnes of waste from its stores, equivalent to the weight of approximately 2 100 average adult male elephants Through its regular beach clean-ups, it has removed nearly 2,000kg of plastic waste from local beaches over the past five years.
The South African
5 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Pick n Pay celebrates major environmental milestone
To mark World Environment Day 2025 on Thursday, 5 June and this year's theme of 'Ending Plastic Pollution', Pick n Pay is celebrating a major environmental milestone. Its Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) customer recycling initiative has diverted over 1.1 million plastic and packaging recyclable items from landfill. The milestone marks a significant win in Pick n Pay's long-term commitment to supporting circular economies and empowering everyday shoppers to play a direct role in reducing plastic waste. Since launching the pilot in 2018, the RVM initiative has grown into a national network of 39 machines across Pick n Pay stores in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape. Twelve new RVM machines were added in the past 12 months. Each machine accepts recyclable items, such as plastic bottles, aluminium cans, and glass containers, and rewards customers with Smart Shopper loyalty points, which can be used for everyday purchases. 'What started as a small test has evolved into a movement. This programme has shown that people are willing to recycle when it's made convenient, accessible, and rewarding,' says Riley van Rooyen, Sustainability Lead at Pick n Pay, reflecting on the success of the programme. As of May 2025, the initiative has collected and diverted over 1.1 million recyclable items from landfill, resulting in over 80 000kg of waste recycled and an estimated 1 200 tonnes of CO₂e emissions avoided. Customers have received a total of over R135 000 in recycling rewards since the pilot launched, and over R56 000 in Smart Shopper points since the integration with the programme in August last year. Each machine can hold up to 750 items and uses barcode recognition technology to ensure the correct sorting of recyclables. Customers simply scan their items and instantly receive Smart Shopper points, which they tend to use for groceries, airtime, and data. Prior to the integration with Smart Shopper, customers received recycling rewards through Imagined Earth. 'Ending plastic pollution isn't a one-day project. But this initiative proves that scalable, community-led environmental solutions work. And on this World Environment Day, we're proud to celebrate our plastic reduction initiatives wins with our customers and our partners in the project, who've helped us take over a million small steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future,' says Van Rooyen. Despite focusing on a wider business turnaround strategy in FY25, Pick n Pay's sustainability team continued to deliver meaningful progress. By prioritising high-impact, customer-facing initiatives – such as RVMs and packaging innovations – Pick n Pay maintained momentum on key environmental goals. The retailer has exceeded its Plastic Pact 2025 target for packaging weight, reporting a 38% reduction in average packaging weight. This also builds on the retailer's broader efforts to reduce waste in the environment. Last year, it diverted nearly 13 000 tonnes of waste from its stores, the weight of approximately 2 100 average male adult elephants. Through its regular beach clean-ups, it has removed nearly 2 000kg of plastic waste from local beaches over the past five years. 1. Fourways Mall 2. Fourways Crossing 3. New Redruth 4. Waterkloof Rand 5. Benmore 6. Southgate 7. Key West 8. Dainfern Square 9. Lenasia 10. Kensington 11. Bedfordview 12. Randburg Square 13. Montana 14. Southdowns 15. Plantland 16. Hazeldean Square 17. Irene Village Mall 18. Boksburg 19. Hyper Centurion 20. Greenstone Hyper 21. Sasolburg 22. Vaal Mall 23. Three Rivers 24. The Glen 25. Mall Of Africa 26. Rosebank 27. The Falls 28. Carnival Mall 29. Kyalami on Main 30. Sunward Park 31. Primrose 32. Kenilworth Centre 33. Constantia 34. V&A Waterfront 35. Gardens 36. Umhlanga Crescent 37. Hilton Family 38. Summerstrand 39. Blue Hills Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Nampak's turnaround starting to pay off as interim profit soars to R3 billion
Nampak reported a total profit from operations of R3 billion in the six months to March 31, compared with a R135 million loss at the same time last year, and it also substantially reduced debt. Image: supplied In a striking demonstration of fiscal resilience, South Africa's metals packaging group Nampak has recorded a remarkable turnaround in its financial fortunes for the six months ending March 31. The company reported a profit of R3 billion, a stark contrast to a loss of R135 million reported during the same period last year. This turnaround has not only bolstered its's position, but also highlighted the impact of strategic management amid a tightening consumer environment. CEO Phildon Roux shared insights on the results, noting that earnings a share surged to 35 842.2 cents — a robust recovery from a loss of 1 123.5 cents in the first half of the previous year. 'The first half yielded a rewarding financial outcome,' Roux stated, attributing the momentum to a concentrated focus on margin management, cost containment, and efficiency enhancements. This approach resulted in a 22% increase in trading profit alongside a 7% rise in operating profit. The company's commitment to reducing debt was evidenced by the sale of Bevcan Nigeria, which netted R1.3bn and marked a pivotal milestone in their deleveraging strategy. This, combined with strong operating cash flow and lower interest costs, facilitated improved financial metrics despite an uptick in net working capital investments. While the previous year's operating profit was significantly buoyed by a R290m post-retirement medical aid (PRMA) gain, Nampak's current performance reflects the effective management of financial assets. The firm recognised a R65m pension fund surplus and a R100m interim settlement from an outstanding Covid-19 insurance claim, enhancing headline earnings although less substantially than in prior periods. Revenue from continuing operations grew by 11% to R5.7bn, propelled by both volume growth and strategic price management. This growth was particularly noted in Beverage South Africa (up 7%), Diversified South Africa (up 14%), and Beverage Angola, which saw a stark 16% increase. However, Beverage South Africa faced challenges with the slower-than-planned expansion of its Springs Line 2, underscoring a mismatch between growing demand and available supply. Trading profits also saw a healthy rise, climbing 22% to R764m. The better-than-expected performance was largely driven by a 49% surge in Diversified South Africa and a 33% boost in Beverage Angola. These sectors reported particularly strong revenue growth, highlighting the effectiveness of Nampak's strategies in regions facing varying economic climates. Roux remarked on the focus placed on excellent margin management and cost control, praising the impressive performance of Diversified South Africa, which was supported by organic growth and an improved supply chain for fruit and fish cans. The earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) also saw a commendable rise of 7% to R1.1bn supporting the company's overall financial health. Despite the improved cash flow from operations, the outflow of working capital registered higher than usual due to escalating revenue levels. Nevertheless, management has prioritised improvements in collections, successfully offsetting some of the increased cash requirements. The impact of the initial tranche of the disputed Covid-19 insurance claim continues to assist working capital, a factor that Roux acknowledges as crucial for sustaining momentum. As part of its ongoing commitment to financial resilience, Nampak has reduced its net debt significantly from R5.7bn to R3.9bn, a success attributed to strategic asset disposals and prudent cash management. The outlook is optimistic, with Roux confident that the local beverage market's growth potentials remain strong, outpacing supply. Strategic initiatives are already underway to expand capacity and enhance operational efficiencies. 'The outlook for the Nampak group remains promising. The continuity of our strategic and cultural interventions bodes well for sustaining performance in the future,' Roux concluded, hinting at a solid trajectory for the company as it navigates through challenges and seeks to fulfil growing market demands. Visit:
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Join the public participation for Tafelberg housing development starting May 21
The public participation process into the contentious Tafelberg site in Sea Point, which housing activists have called to be used for social housing, has begun. The first step of the process is set to take place on May 21 at the Life Conference Centre in Sea Point. According to ward councillor, Nicola Jowell, the process seeks to gain communication from the residents. 'Public participation: The Province has sent out an invitation to attend an information session on the site enablement of the Consolidated Erf 1424 – RE (including unregistered Erf 1675), 353 Main Road, Sea Point East (Tafelberg Site)," she said. "This is the first step in the public engagement process. "It is aimed at providing interested and affected parties with essential information and an opportunity to engage directly in the co-creation process from an early stage,' she said. Infrastructure MEC, Tertuis Simmers, said they were happy that the process was ready to begin. 'I am very pleased with the good progress being made in providing mixed-use, affordable housing in the inner city. 'In terms of the Tafelberg development, we have now sent out invitations to the first information session on the site enablement of the property. 'The engagement aims to equip interested and affected parties with key information and create an opportunity for them to actively participate in the co-creation process from the outset," said Simmers. In February, the Constitutional Court reserved judgment in the matter involving activists' plight of spatial apartheid against the City, Western Cape Government, the Premier and Transport and Public Works MEC, over the site. . The activists took their plight to the apex court to appeal the Supreme Court of Appeal's judgment handed down last year, which ruled in favour of the Western Cape Government. The property is over 1.7 hectares in size and has a legacy of forced removals. Until 2010, a portion of the land was used as the provincial education department's Tafelberg Remedial School and a portion known as erf 1675 and 1424 was used by the provincial department of human settlements as affordable state-rental housing known as the Wyngard Mansions site. The application was prompted following the sale of the Tafelberg property known as 'The Tafelberg Site" to the highest bidder - the Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School at the price tag of R135 million in 2015. Earlier this year, Simmers and Jaco Londt for the Western Cape Social Development announced that a portion of the site be allocated for social services, while the other portion is proposed to be utilised for affordable housing. Cape Argus
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How my mother and grandmother taught me to manage money wisely
Discover the invaluable money management lessons passed down through generations of women in my family, from frugal living to smart saving strategies, and learn how these teachings can empower the next generation. This Mother's Day, I'm reminded that the early money lessons I've learnt didn't come from textbooks or formal training – they came from the women in my family. They didn't have flashy financial tools or expert advice, but they knew how to stretch a rand until it squeaked. Their approach was simple: Save smart, live frugally, and make the most of what you already have. Watching my mom in action made it real – her quiet everyday choices shaped a kind of financial wisdom that was practical, powerful, and worth passing on. My grandmother was the queen of preserving. Canning wasn't just a hobby – it was a way to make sure nothing ever went to waste. She'd bottle anything she could get her hands on. She taught me that having something set aside (especially something homemade) was a form of security. A quiet kind of wealth. My mother's savings superpower was her sewing machine. Growing up, most of my clothes were homemade. Shop-bought outfits were rare, but I never felt I was missing out. If anything, it gave me a chance to stand out with one-of-a-kind pieces stitched with love. Beyond that, she was a budgeting wizard. She used the envelope system religiously – dividing the weekly cash into labelled envelopes for 'fruit & veg', 'milk & bread', 'church', 'parking' as well as for the occasional tuck shop treat. She bought in bulk when it made sense, reused and repurposed literally everything, and had a way of turning leftovers into new meals like magic. Nothing ever went to waste in our home. Not food, not fabric, and not time. Financial advice doesn't always come wrapped in spreadsheets or seminars. Sometimes, it comes in the form of bottled peaches, hand-sewn dresses, or the quiet pen-and-paper budgeting at the kitchen table. I am most grateful for these lessons. They have shaped us as a new generation of women, teaching us the value of smart, mindful saving. Now that I manage my own home and raise a daughter of my own, I realise just how much I have absorbed during those years. The biggest money lesson I hope to pass on, in turn, is what I've learnt from our actuaries: Your money can work harder than you do. You don't have to hustle every hour or reinvent the chicken broth to save. With time on your side and a bit of discipline, your money can grow quietly in the background, doing the heavy lifting for you. But start early, the more time your money has, the less effort you'll need later. Here is a great example. If you start saving R1,000 per month when you are 23, increasing the savings amount by 10% per year and assuming growth of 10% per year, you can save a healthy R135,000 by the time you turn 30. This can be a 10% deposit on a R1,35 million home. In the end, your house will cost you R333,000 less, and the fees will cost you, say, R17,200. That's a lot of money you're scoring. The best example of the influence of time is retirement savings. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to work for you. The longer you wait, the more you will have to put away to achieve the same growth. The sums show what happens if you start saving R1,000 per month at the ages below, up to the age of 65. (Assume growth of 11% per year, and inflation of 6% to calculate the real value.) The 'real value' column is a big word to tell what your retirement value would be worth today. This is to indicate that almost R4 million sounds like a lot of money, but 40 years from now, it will not buy you a lot. Starting to save at age Retirement value Real value now 25 R3 880 000 R377 000 35 R1 566 000 R152 000 45 R572 000 R55 000 55 R169 000 R16 000 My story to my daughter is not as romantic as what I've learnt from my mother and grandmother, but I believe it also shows that the best gift from mother to daughter is a shared story on how to make every cent count. In turn, I hope that over time my daughter will show the quiet strength that comes from managing our money with intention. It is something she would have learnt not only from me, but also from my formidable mother and grandmother. To me, that would be the greatest Mother's Day gift of all. * Havenga is the head of business transformation at Momentum Savings. PERSONAL FINANCE
