By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
With a state-of-the-art reverse vending machine (RVM), Sankofa Solutions is committed to tackling waste challenges.
Sankofa Solutions (PTY) LTD, is a young household packaging waste material handling centre.
The company seeks to solve waste problems in small-population communities through reward collection systems.
It was founded by Alexandra resident Simphiwe Zakwe in 2021.
The young company will advance the circular economy by providing a great recycling experience to its customers via RVM.
Zakwe will use deposit return system, a clean loop recycling solution that looks to keep used generic beverage containers out of waste streams and landfills moving valuable materials from single-use to multi use.
Zakwe says his 100% Black youth owned company aims to alleviate youth unemployment and poverty through reverse vending technology catering for all age groups to partake in the fight against climate.
” We want to change and improve environmental standards in lower income Townships.
“The population of South Africa was estimated at 60.14 million mid-year 2021 – an increase of about 604 281 (1.01%) since
mid-2020.
“Waste produced will inevitably an already dire situation especially plastic due to incorrect handling and disposal.
“The overall focus of this integrated approach is to advance the South African NDC on synergistic action in raising climate ambition towards the 1.5 degrees goal of the Paris Agreement.”
Zakwe (29) has a strong belief in selflessness. He studied Operations Management at the Vaal University of Technology.
He switched interest and joined the Institute of Waste Management South Africa ( IWMSA) as member to expand his waste management knowledge and skills to better contribute to the local waste legislation and policies.
He has advice to the youth. “Young people are the future world’s greatest assets.
“They are leaders of today, and by helping them better understand today’s challenges, they will contribute towards relevant solutions in future.”