Women shatter the glass ceiling within recycling industry

Thandi Sibanda from Linmeyer is encouraging volunteers to clean the environment, plant trees and separate their waste to ensure it gets recycled.

During Women’s Month, South Africans reflect on the actions of many inspirational women who have paved the way for a better future, not only for the country in the political and economic spheres but also across hugely varied industries.

Within these industries, women have dedicated their strength, determination, creative innovation and compassion to make a tangible difference in the future of the nation.

The recycling industry is one such industry in which women make their mark.

The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) has paid tribute to the grandmothers who wake up well before dawn to collect recyclables, to restaurateurs or hotel managers who ensure recyclables are set aside, to those manning call centres and ensuring glass recycling banks are emptied regularly.

The company has also highlighted the positive difference made by three dedicated women.

One such woman is Thandi, who did not know anything about recycling until she joined TGRC seven years ago.
Thandi quickly upskilled herself, becoming an expert in this field to the point where she now handles hundreds of queries about glass recycling every month.

She communicates with schools countrywide, encouraging South Africa’s future generations to play an active role in recycling, and also competes in initiatives like TGRC’s Annual Schools Recycling Competition.

“You don’t have to be in front of a classroom to teach others and share your knowledge. Sharing what I know helps to make a difference in people’s lives, but beyond helping them to begin recycling glass packaging, we make a big difference to the environment,” she said.

Sowing the green seeds of recycling and entrepreneurial innovation

Thembeka Mqilingwa, who has been with TGRC since 2018, is another champion of recycling.

She works with many glass collectors, entrepreneurs and buy-back centres to direct glass collectors to glass buyers in different areas nationally and provides invaluable advice to entrepreneurs on the process of developing their glass recycling business.

“Being part of a company that creates value and makes a difference everywhere we engage gives me a tremendous sense of pride that comes from helping people and making the most of ourselves,” explained Thembeka.

Thembeka believes that for young women to achieve in today’s fast-changing world they need to ensure they have a wide range of skills rooted in academic competencies, such as literacy and science, but also possess the critical soft skills that include teamwork, critical thinking, communication skills, persistence and creativity.

Sharon Libimbi has also been with TGRC for over five years. She has been motivated by challenging tasks and the persistence required to overcome these challenges.

Her work in upskilling the youth around environmental protection is an inspiration to her.  Sharon runs TGRC’s call centre and manages the servicing of glass recycling banks by getting in touch with all site owners to ensure glass banks are serviced timeously.

In addition, she maintains the placement, relocation and removal of all glass banks across the country.

She believes that by providing tomorrow’s leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators with the relevant information and practical exercises, one will go a long way towards changing their behaviours and attitudes towards glass recycling.

Sharon’s advice to young women starting their careers and developing their passion is to stay focused by enhancing your skills. Love and respect yourself and you will go far in life.

“These three amazing ladies have proven to be indispensable to the fulfillment of our role in the promotion of recycling, entrepreneurial development in the recycling sector and capacity building within this essential space,” said Shabeer Jhetam, CEO of TGRC.

“We salute them and the daily role they play in conveying their passion for the environment and glass recycling to so many others and empowering South Africans to take up this worthy behaviour for the benefit of all of us,” Jhetam concluded.