Wastepreneur’s hard work recognised

During 2014, Nokubonga Mnyango quit her job as a driver-cum-admin clerk at a wood chipping mill in Richards Bay for what some community members described as ‘digging in dirty dustbins’. Today, she runs two thriving buy-back centres in Empangeni, employing 22 full-time staff and supporting 100 waste collectors in the community. Her passion for recycling has been recognised by South Africa’s longest-standing producer responsibility organisation, PETCO, which on behalf of its members has supported her journey from wastepreneur to buy-back centre owner. The support has empowered Mnyango and helped her keep waste out of the environment and give it value by bringing it into the circular economy.

Uthando collects about 202 t per month of mixed recyclables – including various plastics, paper, cardboard and cans – which, in turn, are sold to recyclers. It boasts 22 permanent employees who collect and sort recyclables.

It also buys recyclables from 100 waste collectors for its two operational sites in Ngwelezane and Kuleka, Empangeni.

In the upcoming years, it’s anticipated that the waste management industry will expand significantly. The waste management business is undergoing significant transformation as a result of governmental regulations and technological advancement.

By Suzan Oelofse, CSIR