Waste-preneurs’ Marriam Hermans and Nontembeko Ntombana collect waste to earn a living for themselves and support their families at The Spoornet Depot in Colesberg. Image: Frikkie Kapp / Gallo Images
A group of nine hard-working residents in Colesberg (Northern Cape) signed up as Wildlands’ Waste-preneurs in 2016 with a goal of keeping their communities clean and green, while providing for their families. Continuous efforts made by this group have resulted in them forming a company known as A9. This allows them to be formally recognised as a business and draw more attention to their hard work. They are self-driven and committed to what they do daily.
This initiative has been made possible by Wildlands in partnership with the Gary Player Invitational (GPI). Wildlands’ work focuses on the transformation of the lives of thousands of people in communities around the country, and Colesberg is one of these communities.
“This team has been inspirational and have shown true tenacity, patience and enthusiasm,” said David Moldenhauer, Wildlands’ Strategic Manager. “The team collect waste on foot making use of the trollies donated by PETCO to help with the collection and transportation process. The journey that they are on is slow and challenging yet they face each day with a smile and focus!”
The Waste-preneurs sorts the waste they have collected in and around their communities. The waste is divided into streams and each stream/material has a different value, for which the Waste-preneurs receive a rebate. Image: Frikkie Kapp / Gallo Images
PETCO Collections and Training Project Manager, Belinda Booker said, “At PETCO, we greatly value the work these Waste-preneurs do. We believe they are true entrepreneurs and contribute significantly to growing the recycling industry. It is encouraging to see the Waste-preneurs grow to own formal businesses and employ others in their communities – which is our vision for all Waste-preneurs.”
Last week, a truck load of sorted plastic, paper, cardboard and tins was sent to Bloemfontein to be recycled. This team have also managed to collect and put together the first load of glass which will be collected by Consol Glass.
The Colesberg A9 team pictured with David Moldenhauer, WILDLANDS Strategic Manager. Moldenhauer believes that each member of the group is a role model to this community and country. Image: Hanno Langenhoven
Wildlands will continue to mentor the team and offer logistic financial support for their efforts.
Should the initiative gain further momentum, the aim is to grow the operation through the supply of important recycling equipment which will improve efficiency and payload.
The team really appreciate the support from the GPI, Umsobomvu Local Municipality through the office of the Mayor, the Tourism Department and Economic Development Department, as well as PETCO.
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