Ndlovu takes his business to the next level

Okuhle Waste Management owner Maxwell Ndlovu is an entrepreneur who has grown his recycling business from a tiny operation in a side-street in Johannesburg to the establishment of two well-equipped buy-back centres in Jeppe Street and Denver, which collect about 300 tonnes of recyclable material each month.

Account executive at PR Worx Tshidi Mahote said Ndlovu is one of over 45 entrepreneurs to receive assistance from Mpact Recycling to start and grow his own buy-back centres.

“Equipment in form of scales, trolleys, bags, bins and cages was provided by Mpact Recycling to help increase the volumes at the centres it assists,” she said.

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Mpact Recycling communication manager Donna-Mari Noble said Mpact Recycling has helped establish 45 Mpact Recycling buy-back centres throughout Gauteng.

“The programme brings in more than 104 000 tonnes of recyclables every year, significantly boosting the 630 000 tonnes of recyclable material collected by Mpact Recycling annually. The rest of the recyclable material is collected through Mpact’s own operations throughout the country, as well as its 2 000 Ronnie Banks nationwide. It also buys material from more than 100 independent dealers countrywide,” she said.

Noble said Ndlovu has done so well that he opened a second buy-back centre in Denver last year.

“Maxwell can only be described as industrious and driven, with an ability to seek out new opportunities and take his business to the next level,” she said.

Born and schooled in KwaZulu-Natal, Ndlovu started off as a security guard in Turffontein before he established a shuttle service and later his own buy-back centre.

“He started the Okuhle buy-back centre in 2011 with a scale, Zozo hut and two bins in a small passageway. Since then, he has grown his business to incorporate two large sites in Jeppe Street and Denver respectively. He also formally employs 21 people, including drivers, administrative assistants, balers, sorters and cashiers,” said Mahote.

Ndlovu attributes his success to several factors.

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“I work long hours to accommodate the many collectors who deliver recyclable material to my sites, often starting off at six in the morning and knocking off at 10pm. Because the recycling market tends to be volatile, I try to keep my prices constant during the month, thereby easing income uncertainty for my suppliers. Trust and respect are an important part of the Okuhle culture, which is why I try my best to accommodate the individuals who supply me with material. Many of them work incredibly hard to earn a living,” he said.

Ndlovu’s major challenge was the intermittent supply of electricity to his one centre. He worked closely with Mpact to resolve the issue, making use of a first-of-its-kind diesel baling machine, mostly to bale polyethylene terephthalate (PET) due to its volume and lightweight.

“His relationship with Mpact has allowed him to harness new opportunities. In 2017, he was awarded a contract by Pikitup to assist in cleaning parts of the City of Johannesburg. He was part of a trial to assist his local McDonald’s outlets in sorting their recyclables for processing and ensuring general tidiness at each site.

“He was also awarded PETpreneur by Petco in 2017. The Petco awards recognise individuals, organisations and companies that contribute significantly to advancing PET recycling while reflecting the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility and circular economy-thinking in their practices,” said Mahote.

Ndlovu believes it is important to set goals and work hard.

“I also employ young people to inject creativity and new ideas into the business and am passionate about teaching and giving back to the community,” he said.