Whatshot
A group of KwaZulu-Natal women are amongst many nationwide who are empowering themselves through a unique waste collection programme that is bringing hope to the poorest of the poor, conserving the en
A group of KwaZulu-Natal women are amongst many nationwide who are empowering themselves through a unique waste collection programme that is bringing hope to the poorest of the poor, conserving the en
A group of KwaZulu-Natal women are amongst many nationwide who are empowering themselves through a unique waste collection programme that is bringing hope to the poorest of the poor, conserving the environment and helping to educate their children.
Known as Waste-preneurs, the women of these impoverished communities around South Africa are literally cleaning up their streets and then trading this waste to be recycled, and for which they are paid.
It's part of a groundbreaking community programme launched by Wildlands and which has the considerable support of Coca-Cola and The Player Foundation as well as being a main charity beneficiary of the South African leg of the global Gary Player Invitational charity golf series.
The Player Foundation was inspired by Gary Player's own childhood poverty and has been raising funds for those less fortunate since 1983. The Player Foundation has raised more than $63 million to date and aims to raise $100 million by the year 2025 for worthy causes such as Wildlands.
"Our partnership with the Gary Player Invitational and Coca-Cola is transforming the lives of thousands of community members around the country," says Wildlands CEO Dr Andrew Venter.
"Women in South Africa and across the world face obstacles in all facets of life - social, economic, and cultural.Working with and investing in women is one of the most powerful ways to spur sustainable economic growth and development.We know that women's income goes directly to their children's education and other family needs. Through the Coca-Cola collaboration with the Gary Player Invitational and Wildlands we are transforming lives and communities through innovative sustainability projects," added Kelvin Balogun, President of The Coca-Cola Company's Southern, Central and East Africa Business Unit.
The success of the programme is a particular source of pride for Player, who with his wife Vivienne is actively involved with the Waste-preneurs in their own community of Colesberg.
"It's an absolute thrill for me that The Player Foundation with Coca-Cola supports Wildlands who make it their mission to uplift rural communities through job creation while preserving the natural environments that these communities operate in," said Player.
"It's so touching to see the people involved in the project and the amount of work being done. I'm hoping this will be a trend that will spread throughout South Africa to help keep our beautiful country clean."
Durban trail runner Zoe Papadakis will tackle her first ultra-trail run on Sunday, 20 August in an effort to raise funds and awareness on behalf of Child Welfare Durban and District.
The 50km event takes place along the uMgeni River in Pietermaritzburg and Zoe is urging the public to sponsor every kilometre she runs, with all proceeds going towards supporting the essential work offered to the community by Child Welfare Durban and District.
Speaking about this, Zoe said there was no minimum amount and people could pledge any amount they wanted.
"Even R10 goes a long way in helping," she said. "That small amount could feed a child for a day! We often wonder how we can give back and this is an ideal way to help those children who need it without breaking the bank."
Zoe added that many may not be aware of just how much Child Welfare Durban and District did within the community.
"They provide adoption services, they offer several statutory and community services, they own and manage four residential homes and nine community homes for vulnerable children. They convene a pre-school adjacent to their Stormhaven office in Greyville and they facilitate court inquiries which involve mediating the plight of children in families amongst other things."
Looking ahead at the upcoming race Zoe said it was going to be a tough run but she felt ready.
"I have had an incredible team working behind me to ensure I am strong, fit and ready. I have been training hard for this and at times when I feel myself slipping to that dark place, where I just want to give up, I think about the children cared for by Child Welfare Durban and District. Despite their young age, they have had to overcome such adversity, yet they remain positive, hopeful and determined to make the most out of life. Their inner strength pushes me to keep going."
For more info or pledge forms contact our Income Development Department on 031 - 312 9313 or email info@cwdd.org.za