Authored by: Captain SA | SA Rainbow News | 23 July 2025

A new dawn for sustainable development and income generation emerged this morning, 23rd July 2025, as Ward Councillor Mashiane, alongside Ward 2 Committee Members, officially handed over a site to a local recycling cooperative in Zone 8, next to Rev. Mapheto Primary School, Winnie Mandela, Tembisa 1632.

This historic initiative is a collaborative effort between the local leadership and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), which powers the project by providing essential infrastructure and equipment. These include fencing for site protection, PPE gear for safety, an operational office, and various recycling-related tools.

#SustainableDevelopment #TembisaRecycles #EmpowermentThroughRecycling

The significance of this project extends far beyond physical infrastructure. During the handover ceremony, Councillor Mashiane emphasized that this initiative is not just a short-term solution to local unemployment or waste management issues, but rather a long-term, transformative project aimed at changing lives.

“We are looking at a future where recycling becomes a reliable source of income for our community,” said Cllr Mashiane. “We will focus on skills development, enabling cooperative members to classify and manage various recyclable products—ranging from plastics and cardboard to bottle glass—thereby establishing sustainable micro-economies.”

#SkillsDevelopment #CircularEconomy #YouthEmpowerment

Recycling, traditionally viewed as a labor-intensive and undervalued industry, is now being redefined as a noble and impactful profession. The cooperative members, who were seen cleaning the site early this morning in preparation for the project, demonstrated a deep commitment to the cause. This hands-on involvement reflects a broader shift in perception—where recycling is not merely cleaning up but creating a cleaner, wealthier, and healthier society.

#RecyclingMatters #GreenJobs #ClimateActionNow

“In the olden days, recycling was seen as a white-dominated field,” continued Councillor Mashiane. “Today, it is a profession for everyone—Black, White, and all other races. We must all understand that there is life in recycling. It’s time we take pride in this work and educate our youth about its immense potential.”

The project’s launch has ignited hope in the community, especially among the unemployed and youth who now see an opportunity not only to earn a living but also to build skills and contribute positively to environmental conservation. With the support of partners like CCBSA and dedicated local leadership, the cooperative is set to become a model of excellence in urban recycling and socio-economic upliftment.

#WasteToWealth #BlackExcellence #CommunityDriven

As SA Rainbow News, we will continue to follow this groundbreaking story. Our next update will highlight the cooperative’s first milestones, testimonies from beneficiaries, and deeper insights into the impact of this initiative on Tembisa’s economic and environmental landscape.

#StayTuned #SARainbowNews #Tembisa2030Vision