Thabiso Hlongwane is a young man who is passionate about the environment.
That is why starting his own business, Greener Pastures Recycling, in 2016 seemed like the next logical step. He also knew studying environmental law would take this passion further and Thabiso wants to use this knowledge to create lasting impact in his community and the country.
“I started the business to create jobs in waste management and recycling, and help my employees provide for their families. I come from a family that was involved in different businesses and I was the nosey child that wanted to learn about business. I noticed how my parents touched so many lives; I was inspired to impact other people’s lives and the environment as well,” said Thabiso.
South Africa needs more social entrepreneurs like Thabiso; the country sends more than 95 million tons of waste to its 876 landfill sites and less than 40% of the materials are recycled. The rapid increase in waste produced means that soon there will be a shortage of suitable land for waste disposal.
Couple this with the high cost of establishing landfills and it becomes apparent why alternative waste management solutions offered by companies like Greener Pastures Recycling are important.
The company provides waste management to government, commercial and corporate businesses. This makes for a cleaner environment because less waste is going to landfills and many products are made into other useful items that people can use. South Africa recycles more than 70% of used steel beverage cans while just 42% of glass products and 30% of plastic packaging are recycled.
Clearly more needs to be done and educating the public should be a priority. Greener Pastures is aware of this need and has started a pilot outreach programme in Alexandra where they train and educate the community about waste management.
Companies that are involved in the community at a grassroots level have a distinct advantage, especially now during the lockdown. Mass coronavirus testing has led to a rise in medical waste; corporates and the government are actively seeking out smaller players like Greener Pastures to assist them. Thabiso is partnering with other companies to collect and dispose of medical waste safely and responsibly.
Conservative estimates say South Africa’s waste management industry is worth about R25 billion. Despite operating in a highly competitive market, this young company is giving their clients rebates, an incentive that has attracted big customers like Alex Mall.
Thabiso spent his early childhood in Tembisa, a township on the outskirts of Johannesburg. When his family moved to Kempton Park, he noticed the stark differences in waste management and recycling. He was motivated to change this and the lives of the people who worked for him.
“I get huge satisfaction from seeing the lives of my employees improve every year. Some have been able to buy their first cars; others who were not able to find a job are now able to support their children and families. Every month, the fulfilment I receive is better than anything else I have experienced,” said Thabiso.
“My employees have become my family and they treat this business like it’s their own; they protect it and they know what is at stake if we do not succeed.”
When you listen to Thabiso talk about empowering his employees and changing the environment, it’s hard to believe that he is just 26 years old. Like Albert Einstein, he believes: “The more I learn, the more I realise how much I don’t know.”
That is why he joined the FNB Social Entrepreneurship Impact Lab, a business development programme that supports social entrepreneurs like Thabiso who are tackling pressing social, environmental, and economic issues in South Africa. The 18-month programme provides the support solutions that social entrepreneurs need to significantly change their growth pathway and reach the full potential and impact of their social enterprise.
Businesses receive expert tailored solutions to accelerate their enterprise, including individual mentorship from experienced mentors, access to powerful peer networks, market access linkages and investment readiness support.
Thabiso’s mentor is Bafana Kubheka, who acknowledges the role his mentee plays in transformation: “Greener Pastures Recycling provides a service that not only addresses environmental concerns but also involves the communities. Thabiso exhibits tremendous passion and drive; he has a very strong understanding of his environment which enables the success and sustainability of his business.”
It is clear that Thabiso’s mission as an agent of change has just begun. This young eco-warrior understands the value of patience and chooses his projects with care so that they have positively impact not just the environment, but people, too.
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About the Author
Terrena Rathanlall is SME Media Portfolio Manager at Fetola.
