Sifiso Mchunu, the CEO of Lakhwisha Holdings, believes that rubbish is an untapped resource with potential to create significant environmental and economic impact. Based in Ekurhuleni, his company focuses on recycling waste materials, such as plastics and glass, and transforming them into valuable resources. By recycling, Lakhwisha Holdings not only helps clean up the community but also provides job opportunities, particularly for local youth. Mchunu employs eight staff members, who collect and process waste materials for supply to major companies, thus turning everyday trash into a livelihood.
Mchunu founded the company in response to growing concerns about waste management in the area and the need to address youth unemployment. He recognizes the value of what others may see as rubbish, emphasizing how recyclers can earn money by collecting waste and recycling it. “Gone are the days when waste materials like plastics and bottles were left abandoned on the streets or in open fields,” he explained. His business aims to tackle this issue by creating jobs and promoting sustainable practices.
Through partnerships with local scrapyards, Lakhwisha Holdings processes collected waste, transforming it into valuable materials used by larger industries. Items such as old T-shirts made from synthetic fabrics, including polyester and nylon, can be recycled and repurposed into new products. For Mchunu, this is more than just an environmental initiative—it’s about creating sustainable economic opportunities and changing how the community views waste.
One of the company’s employees, 22-year-old Lungile Kongisa, has learned firsthand about the financial benefits of recycling. Having joined Lakhwisha Holdings recently, Kongisa was surprised to discover how waste collection could be a viable source of income. “I used to watch people collect waste materials and didn’t realize it could be a livelihood,” Kongisa shared. He now understands that recycling can lead to valuable resources, such as clothing, while providing jobs and supporting the local economy.
