Across South Africa, women are reshaping how communities handle packaging waste — creating jobs, dignity, and environmental change. Their efforts have been recognised by Petco, the country’s longest-standing producer responsibility organisation, which this year honoured several changemakers for their innovation and resilience.
“Recycling is about more than bins and bags,” said Petco CEO Telly Chauke. “It’s about jobs, dignity, and caring for our communities. These women are proof that real impact often begins quietly but changes lives at scale.”
Community Recycling Changemaker: Bulelwa Ntlola
Former banker Bulelwa Ntlola returned to her hometown of Dimbaza and was shocked by the environmental decline. In response, she founded Rural Roots Waste Services, a buy-back centre that pays locals for recyclable packaging.
With support from Petco, the centre now collects 8 tonnes of PET a month and has engaged more than 1,000 people through clean-ups and education. Ntlola says her mission is about linking waste recovery with empowerment — giving women and youth income while restoring dignity.
The Petco award has allowed her to grow her operations, and she now plans to expand into rural areas, roll out mobile units, and one day manufacture textiles and reusable bags from recycled PET. “It’s not just about cleaner streets,” she said. “It’s about changing lives.”
Entrepreneur of the Year: Keitumetse Mata
When Keitumetse Mata saw waste pickers struggling in Welkom, she realised there was untapped opportunity in recycling. Leaving her corporate job, she launched Boikanyo-Lesedi Environmental Waste Management, now processing over 130 tonnes of recyclables monthly and supporting 600 people across 18 towns.
Her focus on transparency — ensuring pickers understand material values — has turned survival work into real business. Recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year has raised her profile, unlocking new partnerships and helping her introduce solar power to cut costs.
Mata now aims to scale logistics and eventually move into beneficiation, transforming recyclables into manufactured goods. “We want people to see waste as opportunity, not stigma,” she said.
Circular Economy Facilitation: USE-IT
In Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, nonprofit USE-IT is redefining waste beneficiation. By working with partners, it turns packaging, textiles, and rubble into bricks, compost, toys, and tools — proving landfill diversion can drive jobs and innovation.
Over the past year, USE-IT processed 1,400 tonnes of waste, supported 100 collectors, and helped launch small businesses. Its adaptability has made it a trusted partner in eThekwini, bridging gaps where commercial operators won’t step in.
Managing director Belinda Putterill describes the work as both technical and deeply human. “We’re here to solve problems,” she said. “That’s what we do.”
Level Up: Mary Maphula
A chance encounter with a waste picker inspired Mary Maphula to launch TK Recycling in Johannesburg. What began as small-scale collection has grown into a centre that collected 189 tonnes of recyclables in 2024 while supporting more than 30 women from local landfills.
The business also partners with Victoria Yards on food and clothing drives, helping families in need. For Maphula, the Petco Level Up Award is a recognition of both environmental and social change.
“We attach dignity to recycling,” she said. “People come to TK not just to recycle, but because they feel respected and valued.” Her next goals include expanding space, machinery, and transport to reach even more women.
Kerbside Collection Superhero: Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP)
In Bellville, Cape Town, the Greater Tygerberg Partnership is transforming waste into opportunity through its Trolley and Recycling Project. Launched in 2019, it provides waste pickers with stipends, training, and upgraded trolleys, while linking them to formal recycling markets.
The initiative has processed 113,000kg of recyclables in the past year, generated R97,000 in sales, and created 23 jobs. Its buy-back centre and free pickup service further embed recycling in the community.
COO Nasmera Buckus says the recognition validates their people-first model. “It affirms the value of community-led action — where everyone plays a role.” GTP now plans to expand kerbside collection, pilot zero-waste schools, and build a fully circular economy in Bellville.
These women and organisations show that recycling in South Africa is about more than waste. It is about livelihoods, dignity, and a shared responsibility for a better future.
