Water, Sewage & Effluent May-June 2018 | Page 25

About the author After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and working as a director for Deloitte Australia, Johan van den Berg returned to South Africa where he headed up the finance divisions of a series of large international mining companies. His move to Wasteman in 2015 signified a shift in his career towards waste management. His passion and aptitude for the sector have secure his place as an industry expert and in 2016, he became MD of Averda SA, following the group’s acquisition of Wasteman in 2015. Water Sewage & Effluent May/June 2018 23 to minimise the consequences that landfilling has on health and the environment, including providing protection against hazardous substances that can harm the public or can contaminate groundwater supplies. We have started to notice a shift in our customers’ priorities towards responsible and sustainable solutions. This is a valuable opportunity for service providers wishing to differentiate themselves in an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace, and has the potential to effect real change in the way South Africa manages its waste. u have resulted in the devolvement of a number of sustainable alternatives to waste disposal. However, as a result of funding shortfalls, the waste management industry in South Africa is lagging behind. It is important for consumers to understand that waste management is not only a cost decision. If more people demand innovation and waste mitigation, the market for alternative solutions in South Africa will begin to grow. The first priority of waste generators should be to ensure that their refuse is being ethically managed. Current legislation exists innovations It is important for consumers to understand that waste management is not only a cost decision. If more people demand innovation and waste mitigation, the market for alternative solutions in South Africa will begin to grow. About Ave