Alex waste pickers have a new home to ply their trade
EMDT Recycling Centre launches as a sustainable solution for waste management in Alexandra, a township that experiences tons and tons of waste on a daily basis.
The EMDT Recycling Centre officially opened its doors on October 2 to provide a momentous occasion for the community of Alexandra as it battles with tons of waste every day.
The centre aims to alleviate stress for waste pickers by offering a convenient and secure platform to trade recyclable materials, creating job opportunities and fostering economic empowerment within the community.
In a speech at the opening, James Maboa, the director at EMDT Recycling Centre, highlighted the centre’s mission of providing waste entrepreneurs in Alexandra with an accessible platform to trade their valuable resources.
Maboa also acknowledged the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and emphasised the importance of the centre in addressing the concerns of waste pickers with the aim of providing waste entrepreneurs with a much-needed accessible platform to trade.
He said the centre prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, saying this will be amplified by cutting-edge technology and dedicated staff who will provide a seamless experience and service for waste traders.
A multitude of features, including a precise weighing scale, the separation of traded elements, and a strong emphasis on security and staff safety, ensure a smooth and secure trading process, he added.
Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust (EMDT) trustee and centre director Likhapha Mbatha expressed her ‘joy and gratitude’ at witnessing the realisation of the vision set forth by the EMDT trustees.
“I stand on behalf of other trustees as a witness to this recycling centre. I am filled with joy to share with my fellow trustees, whom I am honoured to represent. Our vision has finally manifested. It’s now our time to take part in collecting recyclable materials.”
She recognised the contribution of Lesedi Company which assisted in making the project come to life and also extended her appreciation to the community of Alexandra for their interest and participation in the programme.
Siya Sigcau, a business representative, highlighted the importance of the centre in providing waste entrepreneurs with an accessible place to ply their trade, saying while it was easy to accumulate waste, finding an accessible trading place can be challenging.
Sigcau also mentioned the benefits of the e-wallet system for traders, enabling them to receive payments directly to their phones and collect the funds at various shops including designated ATMs.
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