Making impact with tyre recycling

POLOKWANE – BY resolving the waste tyre problem through a circular economy approach, the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (Redisa) is developing jobs and small business opportunities within the sector.

In just under two years of operation, Redisa has made significant strides towards building a viable and sustainable waste management industry focusing on tyre recycling.

Sannie Phasha of Mmatselane Supplies, a female entrepreneur registered with Redisa, is one of the people benefitting from the business support provided by the Redisa tyre plan.

Phasha’s business transports tyres from dealers to the depot in Polokwane. Redisa currently has 95 registered transporters, and as the plan continues in its five-year roll-out, more of these registered transporters will become active in terms of collecting tyres from more dealers and collection points nationwide.

“My interest in recycling and caring for the environment was developed by my involvement in the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002 that was held in Johannesburg, where I worked for a destination management company tasked with accommodation and transport logistics for the event. We discussed various strategies of caring for the environment and I was exposed to new thinking and opportunities. One area we spoke about was the removal and recycling of used tyres, as such when the Redisa opportunity was presented to me it was something that I had first-hand interaction with and could easily relate to,” says Phasha.

Phasha was fascinated by how the plan is solving an environmental problem, while growing businesses and giving previously disadvantaged people an opportunity to make a decent living. “Working with Redisa has assisted my business in diversifying into the transport industry and provides an opportunity to not only make a difference in South Africa, but across the planet as the removal of used tyres in South Africa impacts the world because if the tyres are burnt, the emissions destroy the ozone layer, which will ultimately affect all of us.”

Mmatselane Supplies currently employs three people. “I believe in uplifting and encouraging my employees to do better. Going forward I would like to develop a career path for each of the employees and take advantage of the training and up-skilling opportunities made available by Setas and various government agencies,” says Phasha.

This vision has led to Mmatselane Supplies being recognised for the work being done, with the company receiving an award at the inaugural Redisa recognition awards for its work in meeting the high compliance standards set by Redisa at all times.

Redisa recognises the importance of entrepreneurship as an economic driver and poverty eradicator. It also particularly recognises the opportunities which lie in the green economy for all those who are able to create and identify sustainable solutions and reduce our carbon footprint in the world.

Stacey Davidson, Redisa director says: “we look forward to continuing to work with our partners in government, business, as well as consumers and non-governmental organisations as we continue to create job opportunities and develop small businesses”.