Empowering Ekurhuleni’s Waste Management Enterprises

Behind every recycling bag is a community working tirelessly to build a sustainable livelihood. In South Africa, most waste collection is driven by informal waste sector workers who play a vital role in keeping our environment clean and advancing the circular economy. Yet, despite their monumental contribution to environmental sustainability, these frontline workers often navigate daily operations without adequate resources or systemic support.

At Oxfam South Africa, we believe that protecting the planet cannot come at the expense of human dignity. Rooted in our core values of social justice, grassroots empowerment, and systemic equity, we are committed to ensuring that the transition to a green economy leaves no one behind.

That is why, in powerful partnership with Unilever, Oxfam South Africa proudly drives the Social Factory, a pioneering community enterprise project dedicated to transforming waste recycling through radical social inclusion and economic fairness.

Our long journey walking side-by-side with our partners in Ekurhuleni. We conducted in-depth organizational capacity assessments to truly understand the daily challenges faced by community-based enterprises (CBEs). This collaborative approach ensures that our support is tailored, relevant, and directly addresses the structural hurdles that these entrepreneurs face on the ground.

Following these assessments, Oxfam South Africa took action by directly supplying essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety gear required for these enterprises to thrive in their daily operations.

We recently facilitated a comprehensive distribution drive supporting several incredible cooperatives across the Ekurhuleni region, including: Tiyisetsang Primary CO-OP, Matshupatsela Primary Cooperative, Tsiame Tswelopile, Nkoza Environment and Cleaning Cooperative, Dede Waste Management, Enviro Manpro Pty Ltd, and Makhabisi Recycling and Trading. To foster pride and ensure true ownership, every equipment package distributed proudly was custom-branded to highlight each enterprise’s unique identity.

Today, these enterprises are well-equipped and ready to take their impact further. By providing essential safety gear, we are empowering these community-based recycling enterprises to build market power, secure their economic futures, and thrive. The Social Factory is helping to establish a new industrial framework where social inclusion, equitable benefit distribution, and community socio-economic development are prioritized.

Because a just transition means putting people and the planet at the very center.