08 Jul 2024

As the world embraces new strategies towards climate change adaptation and mitigation, turning waste to value for socio-economic and environmental gain has been identified as one way of reducing greenhouse emissions to the atmosphere.

Through the reduce, recycle and repurpose, otherwise known as RRR, core values, countries are challenged to reduce and effectively manage the waste they produce.

The turning waste to value concept has been found to not only contribute towards protecting the environment, but also creating employment opportunities, especially in rural communities.

In Mahotshwane, a rural village lying about 70km on the north-western side of Jwaneng, 54-year-old Ms Kegaisamang Dithobane of Mothobi ward has taken a deliberate decision to use her creativity to exploit an income-generating opportunity through the use of waste plastic and paper.

To her, what started off as a hobby has over the years developed into an economic enterprise, considering the availability of single-use plastic waste in her area.

“I started off just passing time, but as time went by I was advised to participate in waste management competitions in my district. My products are mainly made of plastic and paper waste and they are for decoration purposes,” she said in an interview.

Hers is a simple task since her raw materials are readily available everywhere and she can easily collect them while continuing with her daily normal life.

Sometimes she collects bulk waste from government organisations, after which she separates the usable waste from garbage.

After realising that her hobby was capable of sustaining her family, the mother of five from Mothobi ward then worked on improving her skill, which she clarifies is self-taught.

With encouragement from health officials and other village leaders, she has had the opportunity to showcase her products at various platforms across Mabutsane District.

She has also been invited to motivate and exchange skills with learners at the local primary school.

Even though she is able to provide her family with the basic needs, her wish is to reach a wider market since she has the capacity to produce more, owing to the abundance of waste she can tap onto.

She has since expanded the business concept to include colourful floor mats.

In the midst of rising unemployment, Ms Dithobane laments that young people do not show interest in her business.

“I am always willing to teach them so that they can also eke a living out of waste, especially that young people can travel to different areas for a better market, but they never show interest.

This is sad because we cannot have all people queuing for Ipelegeng, while some could be using their hands to generate income,” she said.

Her ultimate goal is to grow the business and be popular across the country, not only as a champion of waste management, but also as an exemplary citizen that people have something to offer their nation even in old age.

“I aspire to grow and travel across the country sharing this useful information with other communities because this is not only good for the environment, but also helps to sustain families, especially in low-income households like ours. I am also soliciting for support and sponsorship from any Samaritan who appreciates what I do,” she said. Ends