Twenty-five-year-old, Jean-Claude Matthysen believes that he can change the world with his innovative way of thinking. Born and raised in Amanzimtoti, he realised how plastic and rubbish makes their way into the ocean, and has since launched his organisation, Social Waste Management.
While the organisation is fairly young, the former Amanzimtoti High learner is already making strides as an environmentalist. The young innovator has also been instrumental in the collection of orange recycling bags in the Amanzimtoti community.
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“More people need to be aware of where their waste ends up. This project is about saving the environment while educating and empowering the residents. Businesses in the area are doing a fantastic job recycling as well as some residents, however more people need to be informed about the dos and don’ts of recycling.”
With lack of funding, but enough passion to drive his cause, Jean-Claude turned his home into a ‘recycling centre’, where recycling bags are collected in his bakkie and left for sorting. In the past two months, the recycling team has expanded by four to assist with the sorting process of the recycled material. Once the bags are taken to the recycling centre they are sorted according to the material type, such as plastic, glass and paper before they are recycled.
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“I cannot explain how passionate I am about this recycling project and the environment. This is not for my gain but rather the community’s gain. We are here to serve and empower the people. Whatever funds are generated are put back into the organisation to aid more recycling. Every day is a new experience,” he added.
For more information about recycling or the orange bag project contact Jean-Claude Matthysen on 065-022-2815.
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