BY OWETHU DLAMINI
MBABANE- Out with the old, in with the new!
Having recently completed his studies at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) in November 2021 where he was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Food Science, Njabulo Sibanda has since ventured into the business of recycling glass bottles.
Located in Mbabane, this young innovative man said he was inspired by someone from the United States of America (USA), whom he saw recycling waste into different products and immediately felt the need to venture into this innovative recycling business.
Through his business, Sibanda has managed to create cups without handles, mugs, vases and wine glasses. He designs his new products using alcohol bottles.
Asked if he intends on growing his business, Sibanda expressed that he believed that it has not only created an opportunity for him, but has somehow allowed him to educate other people about the importance of keeping the environment clean.
“I started working on this before completing my studies infact, I did it through the assistance of asking children around my area to collect unused bottles. In return, I paid them E1 per bottle as an incentive. Even though they saw this as an opportunity to make money for themselves, it also taught them to keep the environment clean,” he said.
He continued: “I work a lot using the recycled material that I collect and I am hoping that this business does not only benefit me, but also other emaSwati. This can be done by teaching them to see the good in recycling and keeping the environment clean and safe” said Sibanda.
Explaining the process of his innovative work, Sibanda stated how he makes the different products from recycled product.
“Firstly, I wash the recycled bottles and make sure that they are clean and well kept. Secondly I cut the glasses and polish them so that they become smooth and safe to handle. For the mugs, handles are inserted through a drilling method and glue, that has been tested of course, is used to put together the wine glasses as that is usually a combination of two bottles,” he said.
He continued: “I always test the new product to make sure that they are ready for use and that no unwanted material such as glue and other particles remain in the glasses,” added Sibanda.
Sibanda said he was eager to continue working on his craft and encouraged emaSwati to make use of recycled materials.
Meanwhile, Belusile Mhlanga, Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) Information Officer, expressed her excitement towards Sibanda’s recycling business. Mhlanga further encouraged emaSwati to support and also venture into this kind of business.
“We always encourage such initiatives as they are part of the circular economy we are trying to introduce and develop in Eswatini. This also assists in improving livelihoods. We would also like to appeal to people to support these initiatives, especially the young people in the country as this also serves as motivation for them to create business opportunities for themselves while taking care of the environment,” said Mhlanga.
Sibanda, may be contacted through this mobile number, (+268) 78054158, for those who would like to support business.
