From waste to wealth – ROSE Foundation CEO champions a greener future at the ROSE Foundation Annual Oil Collectors’ Roadshow
In a bold move to accelerate South Africa’s transition to a circular economy, The ROSE Foundation continues to scale its impact beyond environmental compliance – placing job creation, waste innovation, and community empowerment at the heart of its mission.
Speaking at the ROSE Foundation Annual Oil Collectors’ Roadshow, CEO Bubele Nyiba shared an inspiring vision for the future of waste oil management.
Addressing dozens of informal and emerging oil collectors and processors, Nyiba reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to environmental protection while expanding economic opportunity at grassroots level.
“We are not just collecting used oil – we are collecting opportunity,” said Nyiba.
“Every litre safely recovered is a win for the environment, a boost for the economy, and a chance for someone to earn a living with dignity.”
Since its inception in 1994, The ROSE Foundation (Recycling Oil Saves the Environment) has worked tirelessly to ensure that used lubricating oil – a toxic pollutant – is responsibly collected and recycled rather than dumped or burned.
The Foundation’s work has helped divert more than a billion litres of used oil from South Africa’s water systems, soil, and air.
Social impact
Beyond the environmental success, the Foundation has become a powerful engine for social impact.
Through training, certification support, and inclusion in the waste value chain, it has empowered more than 250 medium and small companies, many from under-resourced communities.
“These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our movement,” Nyiba said.
“They’re not only protecting our rivers and soil but also building businesses that feed families and uplift communities.”
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Aligning with national priorities and global goals, the ROSE Foundation’s model aligns with South Africa’s green economy priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation): Preventing oil pollution from contaminating natural water sources.
- SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): Creating income-generating opportunities for oil collectors.
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities): Building cleaner, safer industrial practices.
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production): Promoting circular waste management.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Reducing emissions from unregulated burning or dumping of used oil.
Looking ahead, with a growing network of partners across the automotive, transport, and industrial sectors, the Rose Foundation is actively exploring new sources for used, as well as expanding awareness campaigns to reach workshops, dealerships, and fleet operators.
“Sustainability is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity,” Nyiba added.
“And in South Africa, we have the opportunity to build a model where sustainability creates jobs, not just compliance.”
As industries shift toward environmental responsibility, The ROSE Foundation’s work offers a compelling blueprint: one where business, community, and the environment all win.
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