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The waste management sector is becoming a powerful avenue for transformation because it addresses environmental concerns and unlocks economic opportunities.
As South Africa grapples with challenges posed by climate change, land pollution and the unemployment crisis, the rise of eco-entrepreneurship assumes a pivotal role in shaping the sustainable future we all strive towards.
Amidst the bustling world of entrepreneurship, a remarkable story of transformation has emerged – one that traces the path of Lerato Shongwe, an enterprising woman hailing from the dusty streets of the Nkomazi Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.
In 2017 Lerato started her medical waste company LM Solutions because she wanted to address gaps in sustainable medical waste disposal. The core services of her business are the management of medical and chemical waste; this is a pivotal service bridging the gap between proper waste disposal and environmental responsibility.
Lerato’s dedication has seen the company’s reach extend to dialysis centres, funeral parlours, and pathological laboratories across Mpumalanga and Limpopo. LM Solutions now boasts vehicles, storage, and an operational base, a far cry from its early days. It now also employs four full-time employees and two casual workers. Her journey started from humble beginnings to founding her business – a true testament to the power of vision and perseverance.
Raised by her grandmother while her mother pursued education, Lerato was drawn to entrepreneurship from her grandmother’s candy-selling endeavours during her school days.
“Even though we faced serious financial challenges, my grandmother’s unrelenting support and belief fuelled my ambition to succeed. I wanted to change the world,” says Lerato.
So, she followed her mother’s footsteps and pursued an education. Armed with a BSc in Environmental and Water Science from the University of the Western Cape, Lerato defied the odds, put her head down, and carved out a place for herself in the market.
“Witnessing my diabetic grandmother’s challenges with disposing medical waste, inspired me to find a solution. This led me to the realisation of an untapped market – medical waste management.”
Lerato’s perspective on medical waste shifted when she someone close to her struggled to dispose medical waste. LM Solutions isn’t just about business – it’s about positive societal transformation. “We have a responsibility to not only drive profits, but to also contribute to the betterment of society. We have made it our mission to raise awareness about the dangers of improper waste disposal and to support our community by providing essential items such as school shoes and sanitary pads.”
Lerato’s journey serves as a guiding light for budding entrepreneurs. Admist gender biases and regulatory hurdles, she presses forward, seeking knowledge and defying conventional norms, turning waste into impact.
Lerato Shongwe was a participant on the SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme, an 18-month business accelerator powered by Fetola which supports the lasting success of businesses from across South Africa, particularly those owned by women, youth and people living with disabilities, and those in township and rural areas.
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