Matobo steps up waste fight as Phakama leads district cleanup campaign

Matobo District is taking bold steps to address its mounting waste problem through a new cleanup and recycling drive spearheaded by Phakama Waste Management, which is partnering with communities to promote proper waste disposal and environmental awareness.

The programme, which is expected to begin soon, encourages residents to collect, sort, and deliver recyclable materials particularly plastics to designated centres, where they will be sold to Phakama Waste Management for recycling.

Phakama Waste Management Administrator, Angeline Ndlovu, said the campaign aims to change how people view waste while improving hygiene and environmental health across the district.

“Turning waste into cash is very vital in our days. It improves livelihoods since we all know that waste does not need capital to start with,” said Ndlovu.

She added that the company’s efforts will include awareness campaigns and community training programmes to equip residents with business and waste-handling skills.

“There are so many opportunities unity and specialisation and youths will have their own income that keeps them busy so they will have no time for drugs or sextortion,” she said.

Ndlovu explained that the company will offer business management training and provide protective clothing such as gloves and vests to ensure safe waste collection. Sorted plastic will be bought at US$80 per tonne, a rate she said promotes fairness and sustainability in the recycling chain.

Ward 19 Councillor, Nqobizitha Ngwenya, welcomed the move, describing it as a major boost to the Matobo Rural District Council’s ongoing campaign to reduce illegal dumping and open burning of waste.

“The reason we welcomed this initiative is because we realised the battle we are fighting against waste is not easy, and winning it is hard. The amount of waste was becoming overwhelming,” said Cllr Ngwenya.

He said the programme, which will cover all 25 wards of the district, will help educate communities on separating waste at the source and encourage collective responsibility for the environment.

“This is a very welcome move, and we accept it with both hands. It brings knowledge and growth to our communities,” he added.

Residents expressed optimism about the project.

J. Mafuyane Township resident, Sipho Dube, said while waste collection has not yet started in her area, she believes the programme will make a difference.

“I think it’s a good idea because our places are dirty, and this will help clean them up. People will also earn something small from selling waste,” said Dube. “I haven’t joined yet because they haven’t started collecting in our area, but once it begins, I’ll take part.”