Kempton’s ‘Nosey’ child keeps SA clean
When his family moved to Kempton Park, he noticed the stark differences in waste management and recycling
Thabiso Hlongwane from Kempton Park is a young man who is passionate about the environment.
That is why starting his own business, Greener Pastures Recycling, in 2016 seemed like the next logical step. He also knew studying environmental law would take this passion further.
He wants to use this knowledge to create lasting impact in his community and the country.
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“I started the business to create jobs in waste management and recycling, and help my employees provide for their families. I come from a family that was involved in different businesses and I was the nosey child that wanted to learn about business. I noticed how my parents touched so many lives; I was inspired to impact other people’s lives and the environment as well,” said Thabiso.
South Africa needs more social entrepreneurs like Thabiso. The country sends more than 95 million tons of waste to its 876 landfill sites and less than 40 per cent of the materials are recycled. The rapid increase in waste produced means that soon there will be a shortage of suitable land for waste disposal.
Couple this with the high cost of establishing landfills and it becomes apparent why alternative waste management solutions offered by companies like Greener Pastures Recycling are important.
The company provides waste management to government, commercial and corporate businesses. This makes for a cleaner environment because less waste is going to landfills and many products are made into other useful items. South Africa recycles more than 70 per cent of used steel beverage cans while just 42 per cent of glass products and 30 per cent of plastic packaging are recycled.
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Mass coronavirus testing has led to a rise in medical waste and Thabiso is partnering with other companies to collect and dispose of such waste safely.
Thabiso spent his early childhood in Thembisa. When his family moved to Kempton Park, he noticed the stark differences in waste management and recycling. He was motivated to change this and the lives of the people who worked for him.
“I get huge satisfaction from seeing the lives of my employees improve every year. Some have been able to buy their first cars; others who were not able to find a job are now able to support their children and families,” said Thabiso.
When you listen to Thabiso talk about empowering his employees and changing the environment, it’s hard to believe that he is just 26 years old.
He joined the FNB Social Entrepreneurship Impact Lab, a business development programme that supports social entrepreneurs who are tackling pressing social, environmental and economic issues. The 18-month programme provides the support solutions social entrepreneurs need to significantly change their growth pathway and reach their full potential.
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Businesses receive expert tailored solutions to accelerate their enterprise, including individual mentorship, access to powerful peer networks, market access linkages and investment readiness support.
Thabiso’s mentor is Bafana Kubheka: “Greener Pastures Recycling provides a service that not only addresses environmental concerns but also involves the community.”
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