Confidence Machete: From waste to triumph

Confidence was an informal waste picker, working in dangerous conditions without protective equipment or recognition. Through the Wastepreneur Programme, a partnership between WasteAid and the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO), she was given the opportunity to improve her livelihood through waste collection.

Selected as one of just nine participants, Confidence gained the tools, training and confidence to transform her work into a business.

“I saw that there’s a lot I can do with recycling and also make an income.” – Confidence

The results were remarkable. Her earnings rose to around four times what she had earned before, with some months exceeding ZAR20,000.

Today, Confidence employs her own staff, supports her children’s education and contributes towards her mother’s healthcare. Her entrepreneurial spirit was also recognised when she won Best Pitch within the Waste Reclaimers cohort.

From collecting waste to building a business, Confidence has improved her livelihood, employs people in her business and is supporting her family.

Her story is one of many featured in our 2024–25 Impact Report.

Discover more of the people and partnerships behind our impact here.