Originally published on 8 February 2025

In Soshanguve South, a community recycling project shows how local action can promote sustainable development and create jobs. This initiative reduces waste, protects the environment and helps residents build a better future.

What was the problem?

Soshanguve South faces issues with waste management, unemployment and limited job opportunities. Illegal dumping is common, harming the environment and causing health risks. Traditional waste disposal methods are often inefficient, showing the need for new solutions.

How did they fix it?

A group of motivated residents started a community recycling project to tackle waste management, create jobs and raise environmental awareness. They focus on collecting, sorting and recycling materials, turning a problem into an opportunity.

So, how did they do it?

• Community participation drives collection: The project relies on community members to collect recyclable materials from homes, businesses and public areas. This approach encourages ownership and shared responsibility for managing waste.

• Local sorting creates jobs: Collected materials are sorted and processed at a central facility in the community, creating job opportunities for local residents. This helps people earn an income and supports the local economy.

• Partnerships enhance sustainability: The recycling project works with local businesses, government agencies and other organisations to get funding, equipment and expertise. These partnerships are important for the project’s long-term success.

• Awareness programs educate the community: The project runs educational campaigns and workshops to teach people about recycling benefits, responsible waste disposal and reducing waste. They focus on educating young people.

• Economic empowerment improves well-being: The project helps improve the overall well-being of Soshanguve South, by providing job opportunities and promoting environmental care. It enables residents to earn a living and improve the quality of their lives.

Acknowledgements

Author: Keletso Mkhwanazi

Original article: Soshanguve South’s recycling project promotes positive community development

Photograph: Keletso Mkhwanazi

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to set up a community group

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.