Latest news with #MinenhleSimelane
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Watch: Local entrepreneur's recycled jackets making waves
A 24-year-old recycling and art enthusiast, Minenhle Simelane, has transformed his childhood memories and passion for art into a booming business. Simelane, who owns Umlazi Arts and Recycling, started by crocheting recycled plastics into mats in 2023, a skill that he learnt at the feet of his grandmother. The art enthusiast has upgraded his business by adding the production of jackets and trousers using the recycled plastics. The entrepreneur moves around the township and collects the plastics or gets them from a dump site. Simelane's dream was to inspire communities to take full responsibility for protecting townships from plastic waste pollution. In the video below, Simelane shows his products and explains the reason behind expanding the business. Recently, Simelane employed four full-time workers, aiming to address the high unemployment rate in Umlazi and South Africa as a whole. He also received funding and business mentorship from the MTN Group. ALSO read: International Plastic Bag Free Day – reducing plastic waste with caution Simelane said the fact that only 16% of plastic is being recycled in South Africa, was the reason behind upgrading his business. 'My aim is to turn waste into unique and sustainable fashion statements. By doing that, I am not only addressing the issue of plastic pollution, but I also showcase the potential for innovative design and artistic expression using discarded materials,' he added. Simelane believes that expanding his business is demonstrating a commitment to sustainable fashion and creating employment opportunities. He said his jackets and trousers made of recycled plastics are showcasing how waste can be transformed into wearable art and highlighting the importance of responsible plastic disposal. He said it is easy to wash the jackets and trousers as they require hand wash only. Simelane revealed: 'These jackets and trousers can be worn in various conditions and seasons. They are particularly suitable for mild to cold weather and can be a good option for winter, offering warmth and wind resistance.' Usually, each jacket costs R800, but for now they are on sale for R600 each, according to Simelane. He said that a pair of trousers cost less than the jacket. @caxtonlocalmedia 🚨 From trash to trending! ♻️👕 Umlazi's Minenhle Simelane is turning dumped plastic into stylish jackets & trousers, and creating jobs while he's at it. 🙌💚 #CaxtonDurban #EcoFashion #RecycleAndSlay #FromWasteToWear #Umlazi #SustainableStyle ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia Simelane's products are available for purchase online in multiple countries, making it accessible to a wider audience and promoting the idea of sustainable fashion choices. To support Simelane, you can buy his products via: Simelane can be contacted by searching for his name Minenhle Simelane on social media. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Watch: Local artist stitches recycling into fashion success
A 24-year-old recycling and art enthusiast, Minenhle Simelane, has transformed his childhood memories and passion for art into a booming business. Simelane, who owns Umlazi Arts and Recycling, started by crocheting recycled plastics into mats in 2023, a skill that he learnt at the feet of his grandmother. The art enthusiast has upgraded his business by adding the production of jackets and trousers using the recycled plastics. The entrepreneur moves around the township and collects the plastics or gets them from a dump site. Simelane's dream was to inspire communities to take full responsibility for protecting townships from plastic waste pollution. In the video below, Simelane shows his products and explains the reason behind expanding the business. Recently, Simelane employed four full-time workers, aiming to address the high unemployment rate in Umlazi and South Africa as a whole. He also received funding and business mentorship from the MTN Group. ALSO read: International Plastic Bag Free Day – reducing plastic waste with caution Simelane said the fact that only 16% of plastic is being recycled in South Africa, was the reason behind upgrading his business. 'My aim is to turn waste into unique and sustainable fashion statements. By doing that, I am not only addressing the issue of plastic pollution, but I also showcase the potential for innovative design and artistic expression using discarded materials,' he added. Simelane believes that expanding his business is demonstrating a commitment to sustainable fashion and creating employment opportunities. He said his jackets and trousers made of recycled plastics are showcasing how waste can be transformed into wearable art and highlighting the importance of responsible plastic disposal. He said it is easy to wash the jackets and trousers as they require hand wash only. Simelane revealed: 'These jackets and trousers can be worn in various conditions and seasons. They are particularly suitable for mild to cold weather and can be a good option for winter, offering warmth and wind resistance.' Usually, each jacket costs R800, but for now they are on sale for R600 each, according to Simelane. He said that a pair of trousers cost less than the jacket. Simelane's products are available for purchase online in multiple countries, making it accessible to a wider audience and promoting the idea of sustainable fashion choices. To support Simelane, you can buy his products via: Simelane can be contacted by searching for his name Minenhle Simelane on social media. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here
