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Member News | Dual Innovation by Veolia: Solar Energy and Water Recycling Lead Africa's Environmental Transformation
Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
On 12 June 2026, national governmental departments, district and local municipalities, non-governmental organizations, Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises, and private-sector stakeholders successfully celebrated World Environment Day at the Dolphin Coast Landfill Management (DCLM) facility in KwaDukuza, operated by Veolia.
The landmark event brought together esteemed government officials and community leaders, including Deputy Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh, Mayor Sduduzo Siegfried Gumede of KwaDukuza Municipality, and Mayor Cyril Xaba of eThekwini Municipality, who delivered keynote addresses and messages of support highlighting the significance of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
The ceremony commenced with official ribbon-cutting proceedings that formally launched the DCLM facility's expanded renewable energy operations. The event successfully demonstrated groundbreaking international best practices in water waste and energy technologies, showcasing how climate and environmental challenges can be effectively mitigated and sustained for years to come—aligned with Veolia's purpose of "Resourcing the world" by transforming how society produces, consumes, and manages resources.
The centerpiece of the program was the DCLM facility's operational solar farm installations, which generate clean energy across the site. This historic installation represents the first solar facility of its kind in South Africa on a landfill site. The technical site tour featured the Effluent Treatment Plant, Class A landfill site, and waste treatment technologies, all maintaining international best-practice standards while serving the local community's waste management needs.
The facility's advanced environmental stewardship was further demonstrated through temporary cell capping technology that minimizes leachate generation and on-site treatment infrastructure designed for comprehensive waste treatment.
The afternoon program featured a technical visit to the Durban Water Recycling Initiative (DWR), also operated by Veolia, representing a landmark achievement as Africa's first city to utilize recycled water at scale to protect employment and develop the economy. This distinction reflects the visionary leadership of eThekwini Municipality.
The DWR showcases Africa's first water re-use plant, which has successfully operated for over two decades, demonstrating the long-term viability and sustainability of advanced water recycling technologies. The initiative exemplifies a unique public-private partnership model where municipal water infrastructure is financed, built, and operated by a private company, with operations and maintenance costs paid by Mondi, creating an innovative financing mechanism that ensures financial sustainability while delivering critical water security.
Globally, Veolia operates over 900 water treatment and recycling facilities across more than 70 countries, treating approximately 90 million cubic meters of water daily. The company manages more than 200 water reuse and recycling plants worldwide, positioning the Durban Water Recycling Initiative within a proven global framework of excellence and innovation.
The program successfully highlighted circular economy principles, renewable energy integration, and inclusive green growth that benefits vulnerable populations. The event was organized in partnership with SAICRA, a registered Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, whose expertise as South Africa's industry leader for compliance and conformance in the industrial packaging and reconditioning sector strengthened the initiative.
Together, these demonstrations illustrated how integrated environmental management can address multiple development challenges simultaneously, reflecting South Africa's commitment to green growth, climate resilience, and just transition. The successful event demonstrated that environmental sustainability and inclusive economic development are achievable through genuine multi-sector collaboration.
About World Environment Day
World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June, is a global platform for environmental action established by the United Nations to raise awareness and drive positive environmental change. The day mobilizes governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to take concrete action on pressing environmental challenges.
Disclaimer:
This article is an external contribution and was not produced by the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI). The views, opinions, and statements expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of FSACCI.
