Rotondwa Musitha, 30, is leading with purpose. From Makhado, Limpopo, she envisioned a career in economics, but her path shifted to environmental innovation — and in 2018, she founded Trash Converters, a waste management and recycling company now operating in three municipalities and employing 14 people. As managing director, Rotondwa oversees strategic planning, operations, stakeholder relations and financial management. In 2024, she launched a mobile recycling unit in Vhembe district, an initiative that allows residents to exchange recyclables for cash — merging environmental responsibility with direct economic empowerment. Her model speaks to the vision of transforming waste into opportunity. An MBA candidate at Regenesys Business School, Rotondwa holds multiple qualifications in business administration, procurement and environmental systems. Her leadership and innovation earned her the top prize at the WomenPreneur Pitch-a-ton Africa competition. She is also a dedicated mentor, volunteering with organisations like Tshianeo and One Way Change to guide youth — especially young women — on business, leadership and environmental awareness. Her late grandmother remains her greatest inspiration.
My late grandmother, who embodied resilience, wisdom and an unwavering spirit of compassion. She taught the importance of Ubuntu — the profound philosophy that means “I am because we are.” Her example demonstrated that true strength lies not in personal achievement alone, but in the ability to uplift and carry others. Her quiet dignity and capacity to find joy even in challenging times continue to inspire. She did not simply speak of goodness — she modelled it, every day, through her actions.