Phot by [Netwerk24]
KwaZulu Natal – In a world confronted by numerous environmental challenges, recycling, often perceived as a household chore, assumes a pivotal role in safeguarding our environment, bolstering economies, and preserving the Earth’s diminishing natural resources.
While the responsibility to dispose of waste should ideally lie with citizens, the unfortunate reality is that many of us need to catch up.
This shortfall is not rooted in a lack of environmental interest or concern. Instead, it stems from a need for more awareness in some areas of South Africa regarding waste management, climate change, and its detrimental consequences on humanity.
Nonetheless, Nokubonga Mnyango, the Founder and Owner of Uthando Solutions and Trading, is committed to rectifying this awareness gap among South Africans.
Mnyango’s company, in collaboration with its partners, is tirelessly engaged in the mission of enlightening people about the advantages of recycling. Their aspiration is that individuals will come to recognise the environmental significance of recycling and its economic benefits.
“The vision was to have a buy-back centre within our township where we can teach people about recycling and see the value of waste. Because they think waste is a waste, but we’re treating waste as a treasure because we are getting money out of waste, we are getting business out of waste. We have indirect jobs that we have created out of waste.”
The Value of Recycling
As previously mentioned, recycling is not solely an environmental pursuit. It also holds economic significance. Numerous recycling initiatives have created job opportunities within the sector, exemplified by the individuals pushing their carts through the streets filled with plastic materials.
Furthermore, recycling catalyses novel innovations geared toward more efficient reuse and reduction of waste materials. This has led to breakthroughs in recycling methodologies, waste minimisation techniques, and the development of environmentally friendly materials and products.
Motivated by her vision of a litter-free environment and her passion for recycling, Mnyango seized this opportunity when she founded her company approximately eight years ago.
Today, she oversees the operations of two buy-back centres, employing nearly two dozen full-time staff members and offering support to almost 100 waste collectors from the local community. Additionally, these two centres collect over 200 tons of mixed recyclables, which are subsequently sold to recycling companies.
Even with this, Mnyango acknowledges that her journey to success has been challenging. Currently, the most significant hurdle they face is dealing with load-shedding.
“But we are trying as a business to overcome all those challenges that we have. It’s affecting the business and also affecting the people down there that are selling to us.”
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A Family Business Model
While Uthando inherently operates as a business, Mnyango conveyed that it encompasses a deeper dimension, characterising herself and her staff as a cohesive team united by their shared passion for the environment.
“The business, I treat it as a team. It’s not only my vision. We work as a team and with people.”
In light of the ongoing environmental challenges and persistent pollution issues, Mnyango emphasised that her dedication to recycling and ecological well-being remains as strong as when she established her company. She underscores that, in the present moment, it is even more critical for individuals to comprehend the environmental repercussions of their waste disposal habits.
Beyond her company’s role in uplifting local communities by creating job opportunities, Mnyango’s broader aspiration is to instigate proactive engagement within these communities. Her goal is to inspire individuals to take an active role in the global endeavour to combat waste pollution, starting right within their own homes and streets.
