Businesses
Turning Rubbish Collectors Into Micro-Entrepreneurs
How South Africa’s only black-owned plastic manufacturing and recycling business is leading the charge in social and eco enterprise.
In South Africa, 98 million tonnes of waste is still sent to landfill each year. Recycling initiatives remain limited and progress is slow. If increased, recycling enterprise could create many jobs for the 25% of the population that remain unemployed. KZN businesswoman and founder of Supa Mama, Thina Maziya, is tackling both of these problems one refuse bag at a time. Here’s how.
Supa Mama works with approximately 100 Kwa-Zulu Natal based, previously unemployed women who, after being trained in the types of plastic to collect, gather over 5 tonnes of plastic waste a week from the streets of KZN. The waste is recycled and turned into refuse bags that are sold in supermarkets around the province. Maziya’s innovative business model turns rubbish collectors, in to micro-entrepreneurs, real Supa Mamas, and provides women with a weekly salary to help them feed their families. Maziya’s infrastructure cuts out the middleman and gives her the opportunity to deal directly with the ‘Mamas’ and therefore pay them the best price for their recycling efforts.
“We realized that the Mamas were walking far to collect their plastic, and could not carry the waste collected over long distances, so we set up collection points around the province to assist them in increasing their volume. We’ve also set up a safe SMS weekly payment system via Absa CashSend so our Mama’s don’t have to carry cash,” says Maziya. Supa Mama bags are competitively priced, which gives the consumer at the store shelf the opportunity to choose between a regular refuse bag and one that will make a difference in people’s lives. “This is not a quick eco-conscious promotion. Eco and social enterprise is embedded in the DNA of our
business. The more bags we sell, the more Mamas we can employ and the more waste we can save from landfill,” said Maziya.
Thina Maziya
The Supa Mama brand was conceptualized in 2012 and is the flagship consumer brand offered by Verigreen Pty Ltd. Verigeen Pty Ltd, formerly Izaka Plastics, has been in the plastic manufacturing business since 2001. Being the only Black owned plastic manufacturing and recycling company in South Africa has propelled the business to constantly evolve. Supa Mama recently became the first South African plastics manufacturer to implement the refuse bag drawstring technology, making theirs the only locally manufactured drawstring-bags available in retail stores. Furthermore Maziya and her partners were the pioneers of the orange bag recycling initiative with the eThekwini Municipality and Mondi back in 2007.
“Our goal is for Supa Mama to empower over 500 women. We will also look to start a Supa Mama collection fleet, which will be owned by the Mamas. We could set up a full logistics team, but we want to give the Mamas the opportunity to grow with us,” said Maziya. Supa Mama refuse bags are available at Spar, Shoprite/Checkers, OK Foods, Game and other Masscash stores around KZN. RRP, R19.99 for Value Pack of 20 bags.
Read more about the Supa Mama story: http://supamama.co.za
Find Supa Mama on Facebook: Supa Mama
Author: Tee
For those who appreciate the purest form of hydration, Sani Springs Natural Spring Water offers a refreshing taste of nature at its best. Sourced from the pristine mountains of the Drakensberg, this water is a testament to the untouched beauty and purity of South Africa’s landscapes.
Nestled in the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, Sani Springs benefits from an environment untouched by industrial pollution. The water begins its journey as rainfall high up in the mountains, slowly filtering through layers of rock and mineral-rich earth. This natural purification process ensures that every drop of Sani Springs water is enriched with essential minerals while maintaining a crisp, clean taste.
At Sani Springs, their high-quality spring water is a treasure trove of essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium, along with other trace minerals.
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Is Your Office Water as Fresh as It Could Be?
Sani Springs is pure, natural spring water from the Drakensberg — delivered straight to your office and/or home. It’s a refreshing alternative to RO water, and it’s packed with essential minerals to keep your team healthy and hydrated.
For a limited time only, you can get 10% off your first order using the coupon code: WM5.
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Bottled for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a large event, need convenient bottles for on-the-go hydration, or require larger quantities for home use, Sani Springs Natural Spring Water has you covered.
Custom Labels – Make Your Brand Stand Out
Imagine your logo on a bottle of pure, mineral-rich spring water. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a statement of quality and care. By partnering with Sani Springs, you can offer your clients and customers a refreshing experience that carries your brand message.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly
Beyond its purity, Sani Springs is committed to sustainability. The brand ensures environmentally responsible sourcing, minimal processing, and eco-friendly packaging. By choosing Sani Springs, you’re not only opting for superior hydration but also supporting a company that values the planet.
Order Online
There’s water, and then there’s Sani Springs Natural Spring Water — a brand that embodies purity, health, and sustainability.
Order your supply of Sani Springs to be delivered straight to you online today at: www.sanisprings.co.za
Author: Shelley
The nineties will always be remembered as the last great decade in music history. A time when rock anthems, bubblegum pop, and hip-hop grooves ruled the airwaves, shaping the soundtrack of a generation. Now, Durbanites can relive the magic with 90s Mania, an electrifying celebration of this iconic musical era!
Featuring a stellar 10-piece cast of talented singers and musicians, 90s Mania is a high-energy nostalgia trip packed with chart-topping hits and unforgettable performances. This dynamic show takes audiences on a journey through the decade’s diverse musical landscape, from powerhouse pop divas to alternative rock legends and everything in between.
Get ready to sing along to the anthems of The Cranberries, Shania Twain, Roxette, Celine Dion, and Gloria Estefan, who dominated the 90s with their powerful vocals and timeless hits. Male rockers also made their mark, with legends like Robbie Williams, Lenny Kravitz, and Ricky Martin bringing charisma and energy to the global stage.
Hip-hop fans won’t be disappointed either! The 90s saw rap and R&B soar in popularity, thanks to artists like Coolio and Will Smith, while all-girl pop sensations The Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child reshaped the music industry with their infectious tunes and girl-power anthems.
And let’s not forget the rock veterans who continued to thrive in the 90s! Bands like Genesis, Mike and The Mechanics, and Bon Jovi ensured that classic rock stayed on top, while South Africa’s very own superstars, Mango Groove and Mandoza, put local music on the global map.
This is more than just a show—it’s a full-blown 90s party experience! Whether you lived through the era or are discovering its incredible music for the first time, 90s Mania promises a night of nostalgia, energy, and non-stop hits. So dust off those scrunchies, throw on your best 90s gear, and get ready to dance the night away.
Special April Offer: Kids Under 12 Go Free! Make it a family affair and introduce the next generation to the best decade in music history.
Don’t miss out on 90s Mania, the ultimate 90s music extravaganza hitting Durban soon! Stay tuned for ticket details and prepare for a night of pure retro fun!
Book your tickets here.
Author: Shelley
Exciting news for shoppers, food lovers, and entertainment seekers! Westown Square, the highly anticipated retail and lifestyle destination, officially opens today, bringing a fresh and innovative shopping experience to Shongweni, just outside Hillcrest.
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A New Era of Shopping and Entertainment
Spanning an impressive 50,000m², Westown Square is more than just a shopping center — it’s a vibrant, open-air retail hub designed to merge retail, dining, and leisure into one seamless experience. Its high-street, pedestrian-friendly layout, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, makes it a refreshing alternative to traditional malls.
What to Expect
Westown Square offers a dynamic mix of stores, from popular national retailers to bespoke local boutiques. Shoppers can explore a wide variety of fashion, homeware, electronics, and lifestyle stores, while food enthusiasts can indulge in an eclectic range of cafés, restaurants, and gourmet eateries.
For those looking for something truly unique, The Barn is a must-visit attraction within Westown Square. This artisanal marketplace showcases the best of local talent, featuring handcrafted homeware, art, beauty products, fashion, and specialty foods from talented entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or something special for yourself, The Barn is a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity.
Operating Hours & Visitor Information
Westown Square welcomes visitors throughout the week with convenient operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
For more details on stores, upcoming events, and special promotions, visit the official website: westown.co.za.
Why You Should Visit
Westown Square isn’t just about shopping — it’s about community, experience, and lifestyle. Whether you’re enjoying a meal under the open sky, browsing through artisanal goods, or simply taking in the scenic surroundings, this new development is set to become a landmark destination for locals and visitors alike.
So, gather your family and friends and be among the first to experience the energy and excitement of Westown Square. It’s time to discover a new way to shop, dine, and connect!
Author: Shelley
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