Centurion informal recyclers call for recognition

A group of informal recyclers in Centurion want to formalise their operations and be included in plans to develop the Tshwane metro.

The group, known as the “Bagerezi”, operate from various so-called sorting stations in and around the metro.

Easily identified by the trolleys they push to collect recyclables in, the group insists they want to work with authorities to formalise their trade.

Daniel Mabale (40), an informal recycler from Marikana in North West, has been operating in Centurion for the past three years.

Mabale was forced to move to the area after becoming unemployed.

“Unemployment continues to be a problem, and with the mines in our area retrenching more workers, we don’t have many other options,” he said.

“Many of us are turning to recycling as a form of income and we feel it is time our value is acknowledged.”

Mabale stays at the so-called sorting station in West Avenue in Centurion.

He shares this area with 200 others, some of whom are Bagerezi like him but others not.

READ MORE: UPDATE: Metro’s hands tied over Centurion informal recyclers

“Because there is no access control to our area, we can’t keep those who aren’t working with us out,” he said.

“When I wake up in the morning, I see others have arrived. I don’t know who they are but we can’t stop them from coming to live here.”

Mabale said these “others” sometimes bring criminal influences including drugs.

“I am pulling my trolley because I don’t want to turn to crime,” he said.

“And we often get blamed for what others are doing.”

Mabale and his fellow Bagerezi want to be included in future development plans for the metro.

“We want initiatives like the integrated development plan to include us,” he said.

“So that we can be allowed to do our work and create formal businesses out of it. We don’t want to be trolley-pullers forever, we want to become business owners.”

Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:

Rekord East
Rekord North
Rekord Centurion
Rekord Moot

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram