DFFE Urges Waste Economy Enterprises to Register on WEERSA

Posted 26 June 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Environmental Law

Brought to you by SAnews: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has launched the Waste Economy Enterprises Repository of South Africa (WEERSA) and is urging all eligible waste sector enterprises to register.

In line with national waste management strategies, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has called on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs/SMMEs) operating within the waste economy to register on the newly established Waste Economy Enterprises Repository of South Africa (WEERSA). This smart web- and mobile-based national directory is designed to map, connect, and empower waste sector enterprises across the country.

According to the DFFE, the absence of a centralised, up-to-date repository has historically limited the ability of policymakers and industry stakeholders to access critical sector data, develop evidence-based interventions, allocate resources efficiently, and provide targeted support to MSMEs. WEERSA aims to address these structural gaps by serving as a credible, accessible database.

To be eligible for registration on the WEERSA platform, waste economy enterprises must hold a valid registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). The platform is intended to support both formal and informal businesses, facilitating better coordination and inclusive economic growth.

The primary objectives of the WEERSA platform include:

  • Accurately registering and maintaining a comprehensive repository of MSMEs within the waste sector;
  • Serving as a reliable source of verified information for the broader waste industry;
  • Providing registered MSMEs with direct access to information regarding funding, development, and empowerment opportunities; and
  • Acting as a digital link to connect key role players and stakeholders across the waste value chain.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; however, professional awareness of this new sector-specific database is necessary when advising corporate entities in the environmental and waste management sectors.
  • For your business: Firms providing corporate secretarial, accounting, or compliance services to waste sector clients must ensure these clients maintain active CIPC registrations to facilitate successful onboarding onto the WEERSA platform.
  • For your clients: Clients operating within the waste economy must register on the WEERSA database using their CIPC credentials to secure eligibility for state-coordinated funding, development programmes, and industry networking opportunities.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/waste-economy-enterprises-urged-register-businesses

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