Across South Africa, remarkable women are being recognized for their grassroots efforts to uplift communities, protect the environment and create economic opportunities all while championing sustainable practices that make a lasting impact.
Recently, several changemakers were honored for their work in recycling, waste management and circular economy innovation, highlighting a powerful truth: real change often starts at the community level and grows from purpose, creativity and resilience.
Community Recycling Changemakers Leading Real Impact
One of the standout stories comes from Bulelwa Ntlola, who left behind a long career in finance to return to her hometown of Dimbaza in the Eastern Cape. There she was struck by the proliferation of illegal dumping and environmental degradation. What began as concern quickly turned into action Ntlola founded Rural Roots Waste Services, a community based recycling initiative that now creates income opportunities while restoring environmental dignity to local spaces.
Similarly, Keitumetse Mata observed informal waste pickers in Johannesburg and saw not just plastic and paper, but potential. Her company, Boikanyo Lesedi Environmental Waste Management, works to formalise recycling as a business ensuring that waste collectors earn a dignified livelihood rather than merely surviving day‑to‑day.
Turning Waste Into Opportunity
On the outskirts of Durban, the organisation USE‑IT has embraced the principles of circular economy thinking. What once was waste packaging, wood offcuts, textiles and food scraps is now being transformed into bricks, compost, tools and toys. In the past year, USE‑IT has processed over 1,400 tonnes of waste and supported more than 100 waste collectors, proving that sustainability and economic opportunity can go hand in hand.
Personal Encounters Spark Broader Change
Personal stories of transformation also featured among this year’s honourees. Mary Maphula in Johannesburg turned a daily routine greeting waste pickers on her way to work into a mission to shift societal perspectives on recycling and dignity. Her initiative, TK Recycling, now supports community recycling efforts and social empowerment.
In Cape Town’s Bellville area, the Greater Tygerberg Partnership was recognised for its structured kerbside collection and sorting programmes that empower homeless and unemployed residents with training, stipends and improved working conditions.
Why This Matters
These achievements show how sustainability isn’t just an environmental ideal it’s a foundation for jobs, dignity and community resilience. The women honored have turned challenges into opportunities, proving that sustainable community transformation is possible even in places overlooked by mainstream systems.
As Telly Chauke, CEO of PETCO the organisation behind these awards said, “there is no single solution to the packaging waste challenge… but every story of impact reminds us that South Africans are not waiting for permission or perfect conditions. They are building change from the ground up with courage, creativity and collaboration.”
References
- Women honoured for transforming their communities – sustainably, News24 — Digital Team: stories of South African women changemakers recognised for recycling and community impact.
