AT just 17, Buyisiwe Gumede was thinking about survival and making ends meet. Her impact on the world and promoting sustainability were far from the goal at the time. Without a stable income as a young mother, she turned a way to make ends meet into a passion project that she hopes can make a greener and more significant impact on the world.

Also read: Local heroine brings hope to community through innovative recycling project

With a tenacious determination that could not be contained, Gumede was faced with the harsh realities of being a teen mother. She needed money for herself and her child. Observing the unpredictable levels of illegal dumping in her community, she began collecting second-hand containers from a local supermarket and selling them to a truck driving by each week.

“I used to hide my efforts from everybody because I was ashamed. When I started recycling, people identified recycling or recyclable garbage with being dirty,” she said.

What at first seemed like a humiliating job soon started a transformation in her confidence, career, and life. Over time, Buyisiwe started noticing the effect of her efforts. She gained knowledge in business, environmental stewardship and proper waste management.

The feeling of shame gave way to pride because she knew that she was changing the world.

Now, her Montclair-based recycling initiative is a full-scale business that not only makes communities more beautiful but also boosts the economy and aids in environmental conservation.

One of the newer developments for Back to Life Recycling is an eco-friendly brick produced by breaking down Styrofoam and mixing it with small quantities of cement. The result is a lightweight and low-cost building material.

“We are still in the process of testing the product before we place it on the market, but we are positive about the future,” she explained.

Her buy-back facility also enables empowerment of the community through the offering of a monetary incentive for recycling. The public can deliver recyclable items to the facility, where they are weighed and exchanged for cash. The scheme not only reduces wastage but provides a means of income for residents.

Gumede’s impact has not gone unnoticed. Industry leaders, including MetPac-SA CEO, Dr. Kishan Singh, ward 64 councillor Gavin Hegter, and Richard Sengani from the Packaging and Paper Producer Responsibility Organisation Alliance, have extended their support. Their assistance includes business development opportunities, legislative guidance, and access to key buyers in the recycling industry.

What started as a secret struggle for survival has turned into a thriving green movement. Gumede now envisions an even greater role, with ambitions such as redirecting at least 100 tons of waste from landfills and rivers monthly, generating additional employment opportunities, especially for women, youth and seniors, increasing recycling training schemes to enable communities and foster environmental consciousness and enhancing partnerships with industry players.

“Through education, action and collaboration, I believe we can make a lasting difference, one step at a time,” Gumede said.

If you are interested in recycling with Gumede, the Back to Life Recycling centre is located at 4 Warrington Road.

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