From Waste to Opportunity: Lebohang Kanyane’s Journey to Building a Recycling Business in Emalahleni
Since December 2023, WasteAid, in partnership with the John Lewis Partnership Foundation, has been supporting vulnerable young people in rural South Africa through the FSRM Programme. The initiative focuses on equipping young people with practical recycling, entrepreneurship, and environmental management skills to help them build sustainable livelihoods in communities facing high unemployment and limited economic opportunities. Through training, mentorship, resources, and ongoing support, the partnership is helping participants transform waste into income-generating opportunities while contributing to cleaner and healthier communities.
One of those young people is Lebohang Kanyane, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Emalahleni who is steadily building a name for herself as a recycling champion and community role model.
After participating in the WasteAid FSRM Programme in mid-2025, Lebohang and three other young people formed a small recycling initiative called Hlayisani Recycling Trading Centre. While the group started with shared enthusiasm and ambition, the journey was not without challenges. Along the way, the other members became inactive and eventually dropped out.
Instead of giving up, Lebohang chose to continue.
Driven by determination and a growing belief in her abilities, she formally registered her own company, Lebohang Projects Pty Ltd, and began operating from Durbar Primary School in Empumelelweni Extension 6.
Today, Lebohang collects and sorts recyclable materials including PET clear and green bottles, brown Tetra Pak containers, cardboard boxes, white paper, tins, and cans. Collection activities take place weekly, while sorting happens daily. Her growing enterprise has already created temporary employment opportunities for two young people working across local schools.
“WasteAid training helped me understand that recycling is a real business opportunity. It taught me not to depend only on formal employment to make an income,” says Lebohang.
As a young mother raising a four-year-old son, Lebohang’s determination has inspired those around her. Her household actively supports her work and motivates her to dream bigger. Within her community, she is increasingly recognised as a local recycling champion who is helping to create a cleaner environment while empowering young people.
The FSRM Programme has equipped her with practical business and leadership skills that are already making a measurable difference. Lebohang now confidently records and tracks her business finances, with her monthly income currently ranging between R500 and R2,800. She has also learned how to write business proposals and professionally approach school management teams to secure permission for recycling initiatives within school premises.
“Before the training, I did not fully understand how recycling works as a business. Now I understand that recycling is all about quantities, proper sorting, and consistency,” she reflects.
Beyond generating income, Lebohang is passionate about environmental education. She regularly engages learners on the importance of keeping communities clean and protecting the environment for a more sustainable future.
One of her proudest achievements has been expanding recycling activities into three schools while creating work opportunities for two unemployed young people. She has also introduced a school recycling competition that encourages learners to actively participate in waste collection and environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, Lebohang dreams of securing a fully registered and secure recycling site, expanding into more schools, gaining recognition and support from the local municipality, and organising clean-up campaigns with learners and community structures.
“Everything is possible if you put your mind to it. Don’t give up, persevere until you succeed,” Lebohang says, sharing her message to other young women hoping to start their own businesses.
Lebohang’s story demonstrates how investment in youth entrepreneurship, mentorship, and environmental sustainability can create meaningful pathways to economic inclusion, dignity, and long-term community resilience.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the John Lewis Partnership Foundation for their vital support in making the FSRM Programme—and success stories like Lebohang’s—possible.