The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), led by Acting Chairperson Life Monini, conducted an oversight visit to the Hendrina Recycling Project just outside Hendrina town.
MEC for DARDLEA, Khethiwe Moeketsi, said the project has the potential to grow but is being held back by financial constraints. She appealed to committee members to assist in securing additional funding for the recyclers. The project previously employed 20 people but currently has 14 employees.
Department representative Mbogeni Mhlongo said the project started in 2020 after EPWP members involved in waste collection were reorganised into a recycling initiative. The department currently supports the project through stipends and training, while the municipality assists with waste collection and IWASA provides containers.
The cooperative collects recyclable waste from individuals through a “buy-and-sell” approach and also collects material from landfill sites. Operating from rented premises, the project requires permanent space and machinery to improve efficiency.
Beneficiary representative Refilwe Ramadikela said the project contributes to a cleaner environment and helps protect animals. The cooperative currently recycles between 50 and 60 tons of waste per month, with an ambition to increase this to 80 tons.
Ramadikela said the project works with about 150 waste pickers across different municipalities in Mpumalanga. Recyclable materials are collected, separated, baled, compressed and prepared for transportation to facilities outside the province, including Tshwane, for further processing.
A representative from the Premier’s Office, Makhubela, urged the municipality to become more actively involved in the recycling sector and encouraged partnerships and forums to reduce transportation costs.
Committee members welcomed the department’s support but also assessed the beneficiaries’ financial position to determine whether the project is delivering value for money and can eventually become self-sustaining. They called on both local and district municipalities to play a greater role in helping the project expand.
