Cleaning cans for a living
John Nutsimbiwa sells his recycled cans in Nirvana or between Dalmada and Mankweng to passing motorists.
POLOKWANE – Many people simply open a tap when they need water and seldom spare a thought for the less-fortunate who have to carry water for long distances.
Running water is something that most people take for granted. Zimbabwe-born John Nutsimbiwa, makes a living from selling cans to people who have to carry water to their homes many kilometres away.
At the age of 10 his parents sent him to Nebo Greenside village to visit family and he never went back. “I grew up seeing people struggling to carry water in small containers, so I made a plan to get bigger containers that they could use,” Nutsimbiwa said.
He approached people at local fast food outlets for their old sunflower oil cans which he cleans for re-sale. He sells his recycled cans in Nirvana or between Dalmada and Mankweng to passing motorists.
He sells the containers cheaper than others do as he realises that people without access to running water also need to save money. “Water is something required by everyone. It saddens me that people should still have to pay for containers with which to transport water, but for me it’s a means of making a living so I can buy food,” he said.
