Build an empire, save Jozyville

To drive education about the benefits and opportunities that can be found in waste, the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA) has launched a mobile game. This progressive, roleplaying game lets players choose a character and enter the waste stream industry, realising the value found in waste through their journey to building a waste empire.
The purpose of the game is for the character to start from ‘scratch’ as a micro-collector, and grow his/her wealth by collecting waste in a trolley. Ultimately the character runs an empire supported by an HR department (to manage all the empire’s employees), a canteen and gym (to ensure healthy eating and lifestyle) and even a garage (to ensure the trolley is kept in tip-top shape).
As part of the Integrated Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan (IIWTMP), REDISA has a mandate to educate the public about environmental conservation which is critical for efficient and effective long-term management of waste. REDISA chose the gaming platform to reach a wide audience in an unusual and engaging way. Pop-up messages throughout the game promote awareness about waste management and opportunities created by the circular economy, and highlight key environmental matters.
“Education around the opportunities that exist within the waste sector is vital to change South Africans’ mindsets that waste has no value. The game platform was created to invoke a memorable and engaging way to educate the public about what can be done to alleviate a serious environmental problem and, at the same time, for them to see the opportunities to be found in waste,” said REDISA director Stacey Davidson.
As players perfect their moves throughout the journey, moving from Cashly Estate to Megalopolis, the value that waste holds becomes apparent. While in competitive play against the zombie rats, acid rain, angry dogs and wasps, players will move on to the next level if they are successful in beating all the obstacles.
The REDISA Game is now available for free download on the Apple App, Google Play and the Windows Stores.