On any given day, the streets of Vereeniging are alive with the sight of waste pickers—often referred to as mapara—pushing heavy trolleys filled with recyclables. While many people overlook them or dismiss them as homeless, these individuals are playing a critical role in the fight against plastic pollution. They reduce waste, promote recycling, and even use their earnings to support their families and education.
The Environmental Impact
Waste pickers are at the forefront of South Africa’s recycling movement. Without them, vast amounts of plastic waste would end up in landfills, rivers, or streets. Vereeniging alone produces thousands of tons of waste monthly, much of it plastic. Through their efforts, waste pickers reduce pollution and contribute significantly to the local recycling economy.
Thando Khoza, a resident of Three Rivers, acknowledges their contribution. “At first, I thought they were just making the streets look messy with their trolleys, but when I learned how much they actually recycle, I changed my view. Now, I separate my plastics and give them directly to the waste pickers in my area. They are doing more for the environment than most of us.”
Challenges and the Need for Support
Despite their valuable work, waste pickers face constant challenges. They are often harassed by security guards, police, and even community members who don’t understand the importance of their work. Many also work without protective gear, exposing themselves to injuries and health risks.
A local municipal official, Cllr. Themba Dlamini, acknowledges the need for more structured support: “Waste pickers play a crucial role in our waste management efforts, but they operate in extremely difficult conditions. We are looking into formalizing their work by providing waste separation zones and possibly issuing permits to give them more security.”
However, many waste pickers believe the government is not doing enough. “We need real support, not just talk,” says Mpho Selemela. “If the municipality can provide safe recycling collection points and fair pricing for the materials we collect, more people would be able to earn a decent income.”
A Call for Change
As plastic pollution continues to rise in Vereeniging and beyond, the role of waste pickers cannot be ignored. These individuals are proving that recycling is not just an environmental duty but also a means of survival and empowerment.
Community members and businesses can support them by separating recyclables, donating protective gear, and advocating for better working conditions. More importantly, local government needs to create policies that formally integrate waste pickers into the recycling economy, ensuring they receive fair treatment and compensation.
As Maria Motsumi puts it: “We are not the problem. We are part of the solution. The sooner people see that, the cleaner our city will be.”
