A small group of women from Senwabarwana in Limpopo are changing the status of community members who are poverty-stricken, through an innovative waste collection system.
Supported by the P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, Ntshabeleng Cooperative is Led by Cosy Manoko. The women travel throughout the town with donkey carts, gathering waste such as cardboard and plastic. From complexes to villages and landfills, the team clear out piles of trash.
At the recycling centre, the accumulation is organized and sold to other companies. The women each makeup to R60 a day – a meagre amount, but enough to support themselves. As they earn an income, they also contribute to environmental sustainability.
“Growing up, littering was normal “Now we take pride by making sure our community is clean,” said Manoko. Since she began working with the cooperative, Manoko has developed a strong passion for recycling. With five years’ worth of knowledge and experience in waste management, she’s set on making an impact in her community.
“I take pride in what I do. When you are doing good your life has a purpose. These women are utilizing trash to the benefit of themselves and the environment. What they’re doing takes ingenuity. And it can have a ripple effect that betters our world,” she said.
