Bveledzani Pertunia Makhado is the managing director of Vultures Waste Management and Projects, an environmentally conscious company in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga. The company’s focus is on collecting and recycling used oil, converting it from hazardous waste into reusable resources to reduce environmental and health risks. Bveledzani’s journey in waste management began when she was a site manager at a mine, and saw the environmental harm of waste mismanagement. This experience drove her to deepen her knowledge through sustainability and entrepreneurship programmes. She is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction, overseeing business development and ensuring environmental compliance. The operations manager handles daily activities and ensures that all waste is collected, processed and transported efficiently, while the driver and assistant collect and transport waste safely. Administrative staff deal with documentation and client communications. The name “Vultures” symbolises Bveledzani’s company’s mission: just as vultures play a crucial role in ecosystems by consuming waste and preventing contamination, her company aim to clean up and transform waste into value. Its work is rooted in a belief that waste is not just something to be discarded but a resource that can be repurposed to benefit people and the environment. Without proper management, waste oil can contaminate water sources, harm ecosystems, and pose serious health risks to people.
Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, University of Venda
- Bachelor of Science Honours, University of Venda,
- Master of Science, University of Johannesburg
- Certificate in Introduction to Mining Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand
- Doctor of Philosophy – PhD (current), Unisa
- Business and Entrepreneurship Development, Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Centre Southern Africa
- Entrepreneurship Development and Business Growth, Black Umbrella Siyakhula Programme
- Black Women in Science Cohort 9 Fellow (current)
- Sustainability Practitioners Fellowship (current), Impact Africa
Greatest achievements
- We have built a reputation for reliability and environmental responsibility in waste collection and recycling, becoming a trusted partner for industries in Mpumalanga.
- By focusing on recycling used oil, we’re not only reducing waste but transforming it into a valuable resource, which is a major step toward circular economy practices.
- Through our services, we encourage and educate clients and others about sustainable practices, helping to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
- By emphasising recycling and responsible waste disposal, we are helping to shift perspectives on waste as a resource, not just something to discard, supporting a broader movement toward sustainability in South Africa.
What advice would you give to future generations?
Waste is not a problem to be managed, but a resource to be transformed through recycling, innovation and respect for nature. Nelson Mandela said, “You can start changing the world for the better daily, no matter how small the action.” Protecting our natural resources, reducing waste and embracing sustainable practices are not just environmental efforts, they’re investments in our well-being and future livelihoods