CCBSA provides skills for entrepreneurs in waste removal

Entrepreneurs in the green economy graduated from the Enterprise Development Programme provided by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) and managed by small and medium enterprises (SME) training provider Tushiya at CCBSA in Bedfordview on August 21.

The purpose of the programme is to provide business development support to the collectors in the recycling community as well as to provide them with skills for the future.

District manager of CCBSA Kamlesh Lala said the programme honours the people who rise up against harming the planet.

“Waste removal is a vital entity in an ecosystem,” said Lala.

He said there are 1 000 verified waste collectors and 100 000 informal waste collectors who make up 90 per cent of SA’s waste removal.

“The informal waste removal saves money for the government and provides a source of income for many,” said Lala.

Tushiyah director Abigail Khuluse said last year’s programme was a success and Tushiyah is proud to work with CCBSA again this year to produce a cleaner environment.

She said the training process entailed site visits and provided unique business problems for the collectors.

Chief director at Integrated Waste Management Mamogala Musekene from the Department of Environmental Affairs said the President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Good Green Deeds’ Environmental Awareness Programme recently and is happy to see many taking it into account.

“These graduates will add value to our country,” said Musekene.

The programme produced 13 graduates.

Collectors present for their graduation were Austin Masilela, Midi Tshigoda, Happiness Lubisi, Deidre Nxumulo Freeman, Phello Mbele, Wayne Barten, Sphiwe Mathabela and Nokubongo Mnyango.

The collectors were responsible for collecting waste from schools, instilling a collection rhythm and reporting data on a weekly basis.

They also assisted with the motivation and the distribution of basic recycling infrastructure to schools.