Old Mutual Namibia, through the Old Mutual Foundation, has launched the pilot phase of Old Mutual Green Goals, a school recycling initiative backed by an initial investment of N$500 000 for the first year.
The programme turns collected plastic waste into sports equipment for learners while helping to create cleaner communities.
Delivered in partnership with Rent-A-Drum and the City of Windhoek, the initiative gives learners a practical incentive to remove plastic from their surroundings, learn responsible waste habits and, in turn, receive quality soccer balls and netballs.
“Across Namibia, children have long made their own balls by tying plastic bags tightly together because they love the game, even when proper equipment is out of reach,” said Mignon du Preez, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive at Old Mutual Namibia.
“Old Mutual Green Goals builds on that creativity and gives it greater purpose: plastic collected from streets, riverbeds and schoolyards becomes a ticket to play.”
The initiative is open to learners from Grade 7 to AS Level. Younger learners must be accompanied by an adult. Learners collect plastic waste and use it to make a handmade ball about the size of a soccer ball. They then drop it off on a Friday at a participating Old Mutual branch in Katutura, Rundu, Walvis Bay or Lüderitz. Each qualifying handmade ball is exchanged for a quality soccer ball or netball. The collection phase runs until 12 February 2027.
Rent-A-Drum will provide one-ton collection bags and support the collection and responsible processing of the plastic. This means the waste learners gather is handled properly and does not end up back in the environment.
Du Preez added that the partnership with Rent-A-Drum was key to making the project work.
“We didn’t want to simply move plastic from one place to another. Rent-A-Drum brings the expertise to make sure every bag collected is processed responsibly. That’s what makes this a real environmental solution and not just a good idea.”
For Tassius Chigariro, Group CEO of Old Mutual Namibia and Chairperson of the Old Mutual Foundation, Green Goals is also about encouraging young Namibians to take ownership of the country they will inherit.
“I work for a wonderful brand that thinks about the needs of our communities,” said Chigariro.
“Our children can help us create a cleaner nation, and I want to challenge the younger generation to step up, take care of this country and protect it for years to come. Help us clean up our nation. Here’s to Green Goals.”
That call for young people to take greater responsibility for their environment also aligns with the City of Windhoek’s efforts to encourage cleaner communities and responsible waste habits. Moses Matyayi, Chief Executive Officer of the City of Windhoek, said Green Goals complements work already being done by the City.
“When I was given the brief about Green Goals, I realised this is not just another programme; it aligns exactly with the work we are already doing as a City,” Matyayi said.
“Green Goals teaches our children a simple but powerful truth: plastic is not rubbish; it is a resource. If we teach a child today that plastic has value, we will not have to clean up after an adult tomorrow.”
He added that “The City of Windhoek is proud to partner with the Old Mutual Foundation and Rent-A-Drum on this movement because a cleaner city is not built by cleaning alone. It is built by changing behaviour. Let us score Green Goals together.”
Speaking on the partnership, Kristle Makoni, Senior Key Account Supervisor at Rent-A-Drum, highlighted the importance of collective action in creating a greener future.
“We are proud to partner with the Old Mutual Foundation and the City of Windhoek on an initiative that brings environmental responsibility, youth development and community participation together,” said Makoni.
“Creating greener communities requires all of us to play our part, and partnerships like this help turn that shared responsibility into meaningful action.”
Old Mutual Green Goals connects two lessons that belong together: caring for the environment and investing in young people. Soccer and netball are played in communities across Namibia and both build teamwork, discipline and resilience.
By linking recycling to sport, the initiative gives learners an immediate and rewarding reason to care for their surroundings, while supporting schools and communities where access to sports equipment may be limited.
The initiative is also designed to reach beyond the classroom. As learners collect plastic, families, friends and neighbours can become part of the effort, helping cleaner habits take root across the wider community.
“Real change starts with small, everyday actions,” said Du Preez. “One plastic bag becomes a ball, one ball becomes a game and together we build a cleaner, healthier and more confident generation.
“Play green and play proud. Schools, teachers and learners who would like more information can email Foundation@oldmutual.com.”
In the photo: Some of the little ones seen at the launch of the Green Goals initiative.
