Gys, trash guru of Rent-A-Drum

Michelline NawatisesGys Louw is the CEO of Rent-A-Drum (Pty) Ltd, the leader in waste management and recycling in Namibia. Louw has over 30 years of experience in the waste industry and provides strategic and operational leadership in uniquely challenging situations. His company maintains comprehensive waste management contracts with government institutions, industrial and commercial enterprises, mines, as well as residential clientele.The company assists developers, engineers and architects with the planning of waste management and waste areas at new property developments. Under his innovative leadership, the first Material Recovery Facility (MRF) was launched and established. After partnering with Molok Finland in 2012, he also made the deep collection system – Molok - a reality in Namibia. More than 200 Moloks have already been installed for clients, serviced by Rent-A-Drum. Louw is passionate about preserving the environment and the natural resources of Namibia, hence his company’s strong environmental focus aimed at reducing and controlling pollution to the absolute minimum. He was also the driver with the collaboration with Ohorongo Cement in establishing the Refuse-Derived Fuel project, (RDF) also a first for Namibia.The company’s vision is encapsulated in two powerful words, zero waste. The company undertakes to make it its mission to stay the leading organisation in waste management and recycling in Namibia. Rent-A-Drum continually strives to improve its methods of proper, effective and innovative waste removal and containment management Louw ensures that his team stays well motivated. He always encourages training to develop his team to achieve the mission and objectives of the company. He also prepares a business plan and monitors progress against this so as to ensure that the company achieves its objectives as cost-effectively and competently as possible. He provides strategic advice and guidance to the executive committee (Exco) members and keeps them abreast of developments within the waste industry. He also ensures that the appropriate policies are developed to meet the company’s objectives and to comply with all relevant statutory regulations.Louw also has a well-established client basis which he maintains under Rent-A-Drum, whether formal or informal business relations. These are all major customers which include relevant government departments and organisations, local authorities, key decision-makers and other stakeholders. This is generally to exchange information and views and to ensure that the company is providing the appropriate range and quality of service to each client’s specific needs. Rent-A-Drum always tries to stay ahead of new development programmes and products to ensure that the company remains ahead in the industry, and that they apply the most cost-effective methods and approaches.He monitors the application of the annual budget to ensure targets are met. He developed and maintains an effective marketing and public relations strategy to promote the products and services of the company as well as the image of the company in the wider community. He represents the company in discussions with customers, suppliers, government departments and other key contacts to secure the most effective contract terms for the company. Quality management is also one of his key roles within the company and he ensures that this is maintained throughout by ensuring the best possible products and services are provided to clients.He implements policies in all aspects of the company’s work. Implementation of policies is crucial as this ensures that the company complies with all health and safety regulations.ExpertiseLouw has strong leadership skills and is an innovative thinker who has high moral values. He has excellent interpersonal skills. He is dynamic and result-driven and utilises all his resources, insights and the correct approach to his team to drive organisational improvements and the implementation of best practices. He capable of resolving multiple and complex (sales, human resources, and legal, financial, operational) issues and motivates staff to peak performance.Other rolesLouw was appointed by the environment ministry as a member of the National Solid Waste Management Advisory Panel and is one of the founding members of the RNF Forum (Recycle Namibia Forum). He is also an active member of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), Namibia Manufacturers Association (NMA), Namibia Logistics Association (NLA), and a member of Namibia Employers Federation (NEF). AwardsRent-A-Drum received PMR awards for 12 consecutive years. The Most Environmental Sustainable Company in Namibia for 2017 award was also awarded to Rent-A-Drum as well as the Most Environmental Manufacturing Company in Namibia for 2017. Louw has been a speaker and presenter at various environmental conferences in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.

Gys, trash guru of Rent-A-Drum

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-02

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Gys, trash guru of Rent-A-Drum

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-02

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