Meeting the R59 recyclers
The recyclers living off the R59 highway originate from different parts of Lesotho and have come to Gauteng to support their families back home.
The RECORD has received various queries regarding the community of recyclers that have set up residence off the R59 close to the Swartkoppies off-ramp.
The RECORD spoke to the people residing here to find out more about their situation.
The men residing within self-constructed dwellings on the stretch of land have been there since 2016. They originate from different parts of Lesotho and have come to Gauteng to support their families back home.
They consider themselves the breadwinners. The men rotate, with some of them going home and others coming to work. A total of 59 men ranging in age from 21 to 60 use these dwellings.
Trying to make a living
The group initially stayed in Rosettenville upon arriving in Gauteng. With time, competition among the recyclers in the area forced them to find an area of their own.
They chose to reside in the Alberton area because it would be easier for them to reach the areas they normally recycle from.
“We recycle boxes, plastic and glass in the Alberton areas; we go as far as Bassonia,” said on of the recyclers.
“A few EMPD officers have chased us away, while some politely ask us to keep the place clean. We don’t have any water and electricity but all that matters is getting the job done.”
Recently, a recycling company put up a container for them to fill with recycling material. The recycling company then pays them for the waste on fortnights. The result of one member of the community’s work nets between R100 to R200, which is then shared among the group.
The recyclers asked support from the Alberton community and asked for them to realise they are not thugs but are people trying to make an honest living.
Brackendowns SAPS spokesperson Const Kamogelo Baloyi indicated the station is not aware of an increase in crime linked to the recyclers staying in the area.
The RECORD requested comment from the City of Ekurhuleni regarding the recyclers, whether the city is aware of these recyclers and also whether there is a system in place that such recyclers can work with the city.
At the time of printing no comment had been received.
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