Building his life one trash at a time

From dusk till dawn everyday, Lehluba Sibane goes from trashbin to trashbin, scowering for tins, plastics and paper.

He is one of the numerous men seen around Roodepoort, carrying mountains of recycled goods on a homemade trolley on the side of the road.

Sibane started collecting recyclable material two years ago after struggling to find employment.

“Everyday, no matter the day, I go around the neighbourhoods looking through the bins before the Pikitup trucks arrive,” he said.

He primarily works with tins, glass, plastics and paper then depending on when he needs money, he will go to the nearest recycling centre.

Depending on the type of recyclable material he brings to the recycling centre, he can earn R3,50 per kilogram.

“I save up the money I make because I have a wife at home in Lesotho and I want her to be proud of me,” he said.

Although his wife does not know what he does in Roodepoort, Sibane has already passed his drivers license from the money he makes and now plans to expand his recycling venture by buying a warehouse to store all his materials.

“I just want to work in this business for two more years and then progress. I have plans for a house too,” he said.

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