Phumelele Nonkala, who is a professional architectural technologist, made a life-changing decision on her 30th birthday to step away from her career and follow her passion for waste management and environmental preservation. This was the start of a journey to make a tangible difference in Pietermaritzburg, where she saw a critical gap in waste management. The city made headlines for its mismanaged landfill site. Phumelele, together with her brothers, in 2020 founded MKGreen Solutions, a company focused on collecting, recycling and repurposing waste materials, reducing the waste that goes into landfills. She says the company’s mission is to minimise waste, maximise resource recovery, foster environmental awareness, and create economic opportunities in underserved communities, ultimately contributing to a circular economy. The company’s initiatives, such as the Schools Recycling Programme and a voucher-based waste exchange system, involve people in sustainability efforts. MKGreen Solutions is involved in other projects that include working with waste reclaimers, buying waste from communities and finding ways to repurpose waste. Phumelele’s work also helps businesses manage waste sustainably. MKGreen Solutions has partnered with the Inkosi Langalibalele local municipality. By providing comprehensive waste management solutions Phumelele aims to reduce landfill use. Phumelele says her greatest achievement is being able to divert about 60 tonnes of waste from the Pietermaritzburg landfill.
Educational Qualifications
Bachelor of Architectural Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Greatest achievements
Being able to divert about 60 tonnes of waste from a landfill.
What advice would you give to future generations?
Ensure that each one of us becomes part of the solution when it comes to taking care of our environment and the planet. Small actions matter. Every effort to reduce waste, conserve energy and protect nature adds up to a powerful impact. Embrace sustainability as a way of life and remember that each choice — whether to recycle, conserve, reuse or repurpose — contributes to a healthier planet. By respecting and protecting the environment, you are building a future that celebrates life, growth and harmony. This is a gift you give not just to yourself, but to everyone around you