The Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA) is clearing South Africa of tyre waste through the creation and support of a tyre recycling industry designed to create jobs, reduce waste and build businesses. REDISA has used this monumental task as an opportunity to develop the small-to-medium enterprise (SMME) sector. It is helping people to grow their own livelihoods and support themselves, their families and communities while reducing the increasing challenges of waste.
“REDISA is committed to new business development and job creation, which is essential to help combat the escalating unemployment rate in the country,” says REDISA director Stacey Davidson. “We support SMMEs and recycling businesses so they can expand and create job opportunities.”
What makes REDISAan interesting success story is that the organisation itself is not a recycler. Instead, it works closely in collaboration with government. Legislated by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in 2012 and mandated through the Integrated Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan, its role is to create an environment in which a tyre recycling industry can thrive.
“Without the legislation by the DEA, REDISA would never have been possible,” says Davidson. “The Plan was established to take responsibility on behalf of product manufacturers for the recovery, recycling and processing of waste tyres in South Africa with a focus on the reduce and reuse principles.”
There are millions of waste tyres littering the South African landscape and the problem is only getting worse, with an expected increase of 10 million waste tyres per year. The SA economy produced 236 514 tonnes of tyres in 2014; 177 385 tonnes became waste and REDISA collected 56 436 tonnes, exceeding their governmental target by 2%, and making a sizeable dent in the problem.
“We are a global first and, together with the tyre industry, we are leading the way in developing a circular economy,” says Davidson. “We receive a waste tyre management fee of R2.30 per kilogram from all tyre manufacturers and importers in the country, and we use the money to create opportunities for hundreds of jobs and small businesses for marginalised people, such as waste pickers.”
Within two years, REDISA has worked with over 160 SMMEs and developed more than 1 670 jobs. The success stories are both heart-warming and impressive. One such story is that of Lebohang Felepe, part owner of Ronetta 28 Resources. His company employs seven people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to drive trucks and assist with the collection of waste tyres.
“Through this job my employees are able to provide for their families and put food on their tables,” says Felepe.
Davidson adds: “What we are most proud of is the impact the initiative has made on the many people employed by REDISA and supported by us in terms of business opportunities created.”
Another beneficiary, Johanna Baleng, is a REDISA depot manager based in Mossel Bay, managing one of 34 national depots. She handles the drop-off of collected waste tyres and ensures they are sent to recyclers for remediation. Her life has shifted remarkably as a result of this opportunity: “It was not an easy journey, but with the help and support of the REDISA crew, I am proud to say it is going well,” says Baleng. “It’s the first time that I have been given such a big opportunity, in spite of my lack of education, and I would just like to say ‘thank you’.”