VIDEO: SkeemSaam bridges the gap between waste collectors and residents
SANDTON – Waste collectors and residents of upmarket suburbs have built a more harmonious and profitable relationship thanks to SkeemSaam.
Waste collectors and residents of upmarket suburbs have established a more harmonious relationship thanks to SkeemSaam, a community project committed to the upliftment of urban waste miners.
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Lisa Lowenthal began working with recyclers at the James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose four months ago as a member of the Melrose North Residents and Ratepayers Association.
Lowenthal was concerned about the hygiene and security of the park and realised she needed to collaborate with waste collectors to bring about change.
“I have formed a relationship with them to ensure their best interests, improve their income and living standards. These are micro-entrepreneurs and I want to legitimise them and bridge the gap between the ratepayers’ associations and these people… They are the gold of our city. Our city would be in a dismal state environmentally without them,” said Lowenthal.
Lowenthal asked buy-back centres to visit the park regularly to reduce travel time for miners and increase their earnings. She has arranged to house 24 men and hopes to assist many more in upcoming months.
Urban waste miner Nkosinathi Masuku, who works in the Melrose Arch area, said the SkeemSaam project had benefitted him enormously. “Before SkeemSaam, we didn’t have transport, but now we can work nicely and they come to collect our stuff twice a week. We have made more money and are working hard now. They tell the businesses to separate their stuff and it makes our work a lot easier.”
Phakiso Senekane said, “The police are fighting us and Lisa protects us. I stay near the park in Parkmore and she has organised transport for our material and has stopped the Metro police from destroying our things. The residents are no longer angry with us because we clean up the park and keep it clean.”
In exchange for workshops on hygiene and money management, the men keep parks clean and bring security. Lowenthal said there has been a 95% reduction in rats at the park and usage of the park has increased by 50% over the last month due to increased security and cleanliness. She said the urban waste miners in the park also assisted in catching five criminals, who were later arrested, after thieving in the area last month.
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Lowenthal has a database of all the men she works with and is able to follow up with individuals. She has partnered with environmentalist Aubrey Masuku and franchise director Bendeta Gordon to form SkeemSaam and has many plans for growth and income generation in the near future.
The Dischem Foundation donated R50 000 for uniforms for these men, giving them dignity. “If residents in these areas can recognise their dignity, they will separate their waste,” said Lowenthal.
They have recently expanded into the Field and Study Park in Parkmore, Hurlingham, Rivonia, Petervale, Bramley and Melrose.
Director of Friends of Field and Study, Rose Johnson, said, “Lisa is an absolute blessing to those men. I think we should be making the best of a bad situation. The police come and raid and burn their stuff, but they always come back… The park users have complimented us on its cleanliness since Lisa has been here helping. The river is clean and these men are keen and eager to help.”
Details: If you would like to get involved in this programme, email info@skeemsaam.org.za
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