In the heart of South Africa’s townships (Eastlondon, Mdantsane, Zone 8), a quiet revolution in waste management is taking shape — and it’s being led by a rising local enterprise, Thandizam Trading Enterprise, an enterprise that is mentored by Blended Business Solutions under the Green MSME Boost programme that is funded by GIZ. This dynamic small business is transforming how waste is collected, sorted, and recycled, bringing both economic opportunity and environmental relief to communities that have long been overlooked in the country’s waste economy.
A New Force for Change
Thandizam Trading Enterprise focuses on collecting, sorting, and packaging recyclable waste such as paper, plastics, and bottles. But their mission goes far beyond cleaning up the streets. They have built a sustainable, inclusive, and market-driven model designed to link informal waste collectors — often among the most marginalized members of society — with the formal recycling industry that needs their materials.
“We see waste not as a problem but as an opportunity to build livelihoods and clean up our townships,” says Zamile Kuwana, the Founder of the enterprise. “Our goal is to ensure that collectors at the grassroots level earn a fair income while we all benefit from a healthier environment.”
How the Model Works
Thandizam’s approach is practical and community-driven, relying on five key pillars:
- Community Waste Collection: Regular door-to-door pick-ups and designated collection points at schools, shops, and households make it easier for residents to recycle.
- Segregation at Source: The company trains and sensitizes households, schools, and shops to separate waste into categories such as plastics, paper, glass, metals, and organics.
- Purchasing from Informal Waste Pickers: By buying recyclables directly from waste pickers, Thandizam ensures that these workers earn fair market prices for their materials.
- Sorting and Aggregation: Small sorting hubs are established where collected waste is consolidated and organized for resale.
- Sales to Buy-Back Centres: Sorted recyclables are supplied in bulk to buy-back centres and recycling companies, forming a vital bridge between the informal and formal recycling sectors.
Impact Beyond Waste
This simple but effective model has delivered tangible results. Not only has Thandizam Trading Enterprise reduced the volume of waste sent to landfills, but it has also created income-generating opportunities for dozens of waste collectors. By incentivizing recycling, the company has inspired local households and businesses to rethink how they handle waste.
A Growing Player in the Circular Economy
Thandizam’s work showcases how local innovation can address global challenges. By combining environmental sustainability with economic inclusion, the company is proving that waste management can uplift communities rather than burden them.
With continued mentorship under the GIZ Green MSME Boost programme, Thandizam Trading Enterprise aims to expand its operations, establish a sorting hub, and partner with schools and local businesses to instil a culture of recycling from an early age.
Current challenge
Despite its growing impact in the community, Thandizam Trading Enterprise continues to operate from a backyard space and faces significant challenges in managing the increasing volumes of waste it collects. The lack of proper storage facilities has resulted in financial losses and operational inefficiencies.
“Our biggest challenge is the lack of dedicated space for operations,” says Zamile, founder of Thandizam Trading. “Recyclable materials are often exposed to wind and rain, which damages them and reduces their value. By the time we sell, we receive far less because much of the material has been spoiled.”
Zamile is currently in discussions with the local municipality to secure a suitable piece of land that can serve as a dedicated operations site.
“Once we secure the site, our next step will be to invest in essential infrastructure such as an office container, a palisade fence, and covered storage areas to protect the collected waste from harsh weather conditions,” he adds.
Mentorship for Growth: A Boost from GIZ Green MSME Programme
Under the GIZ Green MSME Boost programme, Blended Business Solutions is mentoring Thandizam Trading to strengthen its operations and embed greener practices across its business model. It’s also helping the business prepare to meet the growing demand for recyclable materials in South Africa’s expanding circular economy.
“Being part of the GIZ Green MSME Boost programme has given us valuable insight into managing waste more sustainably while growing our business responsibly,” the spokesperson adds.
Call for Partnership
As South Africa grapples with mounting waste and landfill pressures, Thandizam Trading offers a blueprint for grassroots-led transformation. The company invites households, businesses, and industry partners to join its mission to create a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous township environment.
