Putting waste to good use

Bongeka Ngcatshe is currently a Redisa waste tyre depot manager, a profession that many may consider a man’s role.

She has shown how determination and hard work to break down all boundaries.

The Redisa Tembisa depot was opened on April 1 last year and as depot manager, Bongeka is responsible for the safety of everyone on the premises by making sure compliance standards are met and that the depot is fully organised to meet the daily operational needs.

Explaining what her typical day entails, Bongeka said, “My day is usually very busy as we have big trucks coming in and out of the depot, to load and offload scrap tyres of different kinds and sizes. We also have employees counting and making sure that the invoices match the stock, while the forklift operators help to pack stock according to the tyre categories and the waste tyre regulations.”

Bongeka manages a national Redisa depot. One of her core tasks is ensuring that waste tyres are sent to recyclers for processing.

“I have been undergoing on-the-job training and learning more about managing the depot, business skills and financial planning, which have been incredibly helpful,” said Bongeka.

The team at the Tembisa depot employs seven people; three women and four men.

The depot has taken the commitment to upskill employees by sending them on various courses such as firefighting, first aid, and health and safety courses which will help make their jobs easier and also reduce the possibility of accidents.

In terms of the depot manager mentorship initiative, “A suitable candidate is selected and mentored by a Redisa employee who has a number of years’ experience working within the tyre industry,” said Stacey Davidson, a director at Redisa.

Before joining Redisa, Bongeka was busy with a business project which looked at trying to source tyre sealant liquid that is used to repair tyres from the inside.

“I then came across the Redisa initiative online, which stood out for me and I applied,” said Bongeka.

“My dream is to make a difference, especially in helping fight the stigma around waste which is still destroying the environment. I have made it one of my goals to go out there and educate our youth about the importance of preserving the environment and providing them with an opportunity to be involved in the movement of recycling.”