Molweni recycling centre appeals for support
After surviving a fire at their premises, the Molweni Waste and Recycling Cleanup Centre plans to continue raising awareness about recycling and helping their community.
THE Molweni Waste and Recycling Cleanup Centre is appealing for support and donations as the centre was almost destroyed by a fire recently. Founded by Colleen Mncwabe as a response to the 2022 floods, the centre serves to keep the area of Molweni clean by collecting recyclables from the community.
Mncwabe said she woke up to a call alerting her about the fire that erupted at the centre. “To this day, we do not know where the fire came from, but I came to the scene after the place had already caught fire, damaging the recyclables that were there,” she explained.
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According to Mncwabe, this is not long after she had a break-in when her laptop and other working materials were stolen. Mncwabe said these incidents have been heart-breaking as the centre belongs to the community and the project has been helpful to the community.
“When I planned the project, we were affected by floods, and many houses were flushed by water coming from the blocked drains. This was due to the waste people were dumping everywhere.
“I then set up a meeting with our then-counsellor to ask permission to open the centre. She was excited and welcomed the idea as she knew the problem we had in our area with waste. What made matters worse is that our children were exposed to this waste as they used to play in the area. She gave me a letter, and I applied to adopt a spot that was vacant. The place was used for illegal dumping, and it was a hotspot for crime. Following gaining permission, I asked the community to sign a petition – they were excited about the project and were on board.
“I then cleaned up the place and ensured that there were no more trucks coming to dump,” she explained.
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The project has led to a fully functioning recycling centre with 18 waste pickers who collect waste, not only in the Molweni area but in Waterfall and Crestholme.
Mncwabe said her plan is to train the waste pickers and equip them with more knowledge so they can go on to raise awareness.
On June 5, the centre will be hosting a cleanup campaign that aims to teach and raise awareness on recycling. The community is invited to partake and sponsor. Colleen Mncwabe can be contacted on 0733193523.
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