The challenge is not to manage waste, but to transform it into value. This perspective tells the ethos of EnviroServ, a company that, under the leadership of CEO Dean Thompson, has redefined the waste management industry. Since its inception in 1979, EnviroServ has evolved from a traditional waste disposal service into a pioneer of sustainable solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dean Thompson, who took the helm in 2016, has been instrumental in steering the company towards a future where waste is not merely discarded but repurposed. His management style is characterized by direct involvement, participative decision-making, and a results-oriented approach. Under his guidance, EnviroServ has embraced innovation, focusing on creating economic, environmental, and social value through sustainable practices.

A significant milestone in this journey was EnviroServ's acquisition by SUEZ in 2022, which expanded its capabilities to include water management. This integration allowed the company to offer comprehensive solutions that address both waste and water challenges, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Thompson's commitment to sustainability is evident in EnviroServ's ambitious targets: reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2028, doubling the area of renatured land by 2027, and increasing employee training to 76% by 2028. These goals reflect a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental health, community well-being, and corporate responsibility.

In essence, Dean’s leadership has transformed EnviroServ into a company that not only manages waste but also turns it into a resource for a sustainable future. Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, EnviroServ continues to lead by example in the waste management industry.

Transition to Waste Management

Dean Thompson’s shift into the waste management industry wasn’t just a career move; it was a deliberate choice driven by his core values. His decision to dive into this sector arose from a deep-rooted desire to make a difference, improve life quality, and leave a lasting impact on the planet. With climate change and global warming becoming increasingly urgent global concerns, Thompson saw a unique opportunity to combat these challenges by implementing responsible waste management practices.

His belief in the environmental importance of waste management was further fueled by EnviroServ’s reputation as a leading advocate for environmental responsibility. With this vision in mind, he took on a leadership role at EnviroServ, fully committed to advancing sustainable practices. For Thompson, waste management is more than a business, it’s a crucial service that fosters both environmental and social change, offering a platform to be part of something greater than oneself.

Leading the Charge for Sustainability

Thompson’s roadmap for EnviroServ over the next five years is both visionary and ambitious. He aspires to position the company as a dynamic force in addressing Africa’s growing waste and water challenges. With a focus on helping businesses meet their sustainability goals, Thompson wants EnviroServ to continue to build on its legacy of providing innovative environmental solutions while solidifying its place as an influential thought leader in the industry.

Thompson emphasizes the importance of leveraging EnviroServ’s extensive experience, backed by 45 years of leadership in the waste management sector, while continuously fostering innovation. His focus remains on attracting skilled professionals and delivering cost-effective solutions that keep the company at the forefront of the industry.

Ensuring the company’s teams are well-equipped to meet these ambitious goals through training and development is also high on his agenda. By fostering a culture of excellence and progress, Thompson is confident that EnviroServ will not only thrive but will set new standards for waste management across Africa.

The SUEZ Acquisition

The recent acquisition of EnviroServ by SUEZ, a global leader in water and waste management, has opened exciting new doors for the company. With backing from SUEZ and local partners such as Royal Bafokeng Holdings and African Infrastructure Investment Managers, Thompson is eager to explore new technological advancements. In the coming years, he envisions the introduction of biogas and waste-to-energy solutions and the establishment of water treatment plants to address some of Africa’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Feasibility studies on biogas initiatives have already been conducted at key facilities in Shongweni, Chloorkop, and Vissershok, marking significant steps toward reducing carbon emissions. Thompson views these investments as vital for achieving long-term environmental sustainability. With these new technologies, EnviroServ aims to not only enhance its operations but to contribute meaningfully to mitigating the environmental impact of waste and water issues across the continent.

Drawing from Cross-Industry Experience

Dean Thompson’s diverse career experience has been instrumental in shaping his approach to leadership at EnviroServ. Having worked in various industries, he recognizes the value of innovation, accountability, and the pursuit of operational excellence. While waste management has its own distinct challenges, Thompson sees many similarities with other sectors—such as the need for collaboration with large corporations focused on sustainability and engaging with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).

He believes that effective strategy requires clear communication, shared vision, and the mobilization of teams toward common goals. Although the waste management industry has presented its own unique learning curve, Thompson has relied heavily on the expertise within EnviroServ to navigate these challenges. He credits his experience in other industries for helping him bring fresh perspectives to waste management, enhancing the company’s ability to implement solutions that are both practical and impactful.

Challenges Facing the Waste Management Industry

The waste management sector faces numerous obstacles, particularly in the handling of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. One of the most significant challenges, according to Thompson, is the lack of investment in waste treatment infrastructure, particularly within the public sector. This gap has led to widespread illegal dumping, pollution, and public health issues. The shortage of capacity in waste transport and collection services further compounds the problem. Thompson believes that resolving these issues begins with getting the basics right, ensuring that all waste is collected and transported to authorized, compliant facilities.

He also advocates for exploring advanced disposal methods, like waste-to-energy, but recognizes the challenge of affordability, especially in the absence of a landfill tax in South Africa. Government support is essential to driving these changes, and Thompson sees public-private partnerships as key to overcoming these barriers. Compliance monitoring, he adds, is vital to ensuring that progress is consistently made toward a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Road to Waste Management Innovation

While traditional landfilling remains the most common method of waste disposal in South Africa, Dean Thompson acknowledges its potential role in the short term, provided it is done in accordance with regulatory guidelines. However, delays in receiving necessary permits have continued to delay operations and hamper progress. As EnviroServ continues to grow and evolve, Thompson is excited about the opportunity to innovate within the waste management industry.

The company is in a unique position to collaborate with private investors, local authorities, and other stakeholders to develop creative, sustainable solutions to waste management challenges. As part of the SUEZ group, EnviroServ can access global resources that help clients achieve their sustainability goals and promote the circular economy. Thompson’s leadership is focused on fostering relationships with key industry players, ensuring that all efforts are aligned with the shared goal of a more sustainable future.

EnviroServ’s BBBEE Certification

A pivotal achievement under Dean Thompson’s leadership has been EnviroServ’s attainment of Level 1 BBBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) certification. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to ethical business practices, sustainability, and inclusivity. The journey toward achieving BBBEE certification began in 2018 when EnviroServ embraced the Transformation Charter, driven by both ethical considerations and the commercial benefits of diversity.

Since then, the company has made significant strides, making measurable progress on all elements of the BBBEE scorecard. One of the key priorities for Thompson is skills development, particularly for future generations, and ensuring equal opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals across all levels of the organization.

He is particularly proud of the company’s efforts to employ differently-abled individuals and to offer procurement opportunities to those who meet the SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) requirements. EnviroServ’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and skills development is a testament to its broader transformation goals, which are focused on making the industry more inclusive and sustainable.

Commitment to Legal Compliance and Safety in Waste Management

EnviroServ’s approach to legal compliance and safety is built on a foundation of understanding the company’s strategic intent. The company’s tagline, “Environmental Peace of Mind,” serves as a guiding principle for all operations, ensuring that every decision is made with stakeholder value in mind. This principle governs EnviroServ’s efforts to meet the needs of customers, communities, shareholders, and internal teams. Thompson highlights the importance of meeting compliance and sustainability expectations, which are shared by customers, national and local governments, and regulatory bodies.

To meet these expectations, EnviroServ has invested heavily in qualified personnel, including a dedicated team of 60 professionals tasked with ensuring adherence to SHEQ standards and audit requirements. The company’s commitment to compliance extends beyond personnel, with significant investments in resources and infrastructure to ensure that all operations are environmentally compliant. Thompson is proud of EnviroServ’s reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct, recognizing that in a highly regulated industry, adherence to laws is non-negotiable.

Core of EnviroServ’s Operations

As EnviroServ continues to evolve, innovation plays a central role in shaping the company’s future. The company has invested in cutting-edge technologies designed to improve waste management and reduce environmental impact. Among these innovations are waste-to-energy and biogas technologies, which hold significant potential for reducing the company’s carbon footprint while generating renewable energy.

EnviroServ’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its extensive use of integrated waste management facilities that offer a broader range of solutions, beyond traditional disposal methods. The company’s advanced leachate and effluent treatment plants in Uganda, Aloes, and Shongweni stand as examples of its commitment to resource recovery, utilizing technologies like Ultra Filtration (UF), Reverse Osmosis (RO), and Nano Filtration (NF) to recover clean water and valuable by-products.

These technologies save millions of liters of water each month while simultaneously mitigating environmental risks. Beyond water treatment, EnviroServ is tackling the e-waste challenge and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2028. The company’s holistic, sustainable approach sets it apart as a leader in the waste management sector.

Building a Team for the Future

Dean Thompson’s leadership style is rooted in the belief that a strong, motivated team is the key to success. For him, passion and purpose are the driving forces behind the company’s achievements. Thompson places great emphasis on surrounding himself with individuals who share his vision and who are committed to making a meaningful impact in the waste management industry.

Once the right team is in place, Thompson ensures that everyone understands their role within the broader organizational goals, communicating the purpose, vision, and strategy clearly and effectively. Feedback, recognition, and open communication are core components of his leadership approach, helping to maintain morale and keep everyone aligned with the company’s objectives.

During challenging times, Thompson takes personal responsibility, actively engaging with the team and leading by example. His leadership philosophy is centered around transparency, authenticity, and teamwork, believing that overcoming obstacles requires a collaborative effort.

Career Milestones

Dean Thompson’s career has been defined by a commitment to driving positive change, both within the organizations he’s worked for and in the broader industry. Reflecting on his achievements, Thompson takes great pride in the decisions that have shaped the course of his career and left a lasting impact on the companies and communities he has served.

Among his proudest accomplishments are leading EnviroServ through the successful integration with SUEZ, managing the largest clean-up operation in recent history, and steering the company through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also deeply proud of the company’s recognition in health and safety, underscoring the team’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of all involved.

Thompson hopes his legacy will be one of resilience, leadership, and a commitment to making tough but necessary decisions to create an environment where others can thrive. His achievements, including achieving Level 1 BBBEE certification and fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, exemplify the core values that have guided his career.