Latest news with #Tutani
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Organisations defends the rights of waste collectors
The African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) has issued a strong call to the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and the broader public to recognise the essential work of waste reclaimers, and to provide them with the necessary infrastructure to operate with dignity and safety. ARO programme co-ordinator Nandi Tutani stressed the urgent need to shift harmful perceptions that connect waste reclaimers with homelessness, and instead focus on the vital role they play in South Africa's waste management system. 'Reclaimers are not homeless people. They follow the materials,' Tutani explained. 'If someone finds recyclable waste in places like Emmarentia or Linden, they need a space nearby where they can work – aggregate, sort, and sell. 'That doesn't mean they live there. They camp temporarily for work purposes and move on. Homeless people remain in those spaces; that's the difference.' According to ARO, reclaimers collect nearly 90% of all materials that are recycled in the city, saving Johannesburg municipalities an estimated R780m annually in landfill space alone. Despite this contribution, reclaimers are still marginalised and stigmatised. Tutani highlighted the ongoing lack of infrastructure to support their work, and the disconnect between city officials and the lived realities of reclaimers. 'There's a big gap in understanding just how specialised this work is. Waste reclaimers are experts at identifying, sorting, and collecting recyclable materials,' she said. 'But they are often pushed aside, misunderstood, and blamed for untidy public spaces, when, in fact, they know how important it is to clean up after themselves.' ARO, a member-based organisation, provides reclaimers with resources they typically wouldn't have access to, including transport, bulk bags, protective gear like safety boots, gloves, and masks, as well as training in health and safety protocols. They also connect reclaimers to better-paying markets. 'Our biggest fight is against the stigma,' said Tutani. 'We want to bring dignity to reclaimers, and educate the community about how critical their work is. They are diverting significant volumes of waste from landfills, and yet they have no formal spaces to work from.' Tutani said the organisation is in talks with the CoJ to establish dedicated work sites for reclaimers, but progress has been slow. 'We're not asking for much – just clean, safe spaces where reclaimers can do their work properly. It would benefit everyone, including the municipalities, and improve how waste is managed in the city.' As negotiations continue, ARO remains committed to organising reclaimers, providing support, and advocating for their rightful place in the city's waste economy. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
04-05-2025
- General
- The South African
How waste reclaimers save Johannesburg MILLIONS of rands
Johannesburg's municipalities are saving an estimated R780 million annually in landfill space alone thanks to waste reclaimers. According to the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO), waste pickers collect nearly 90% of all recyclable materials in Johannesburg. Despite this massive contribution, they continue to work without proper recognition, infrastructure, or support. 'Reclaimers are not homeless people…they follow the materials,' ARO programme co-ordinator Nandi Tutani told the Sandton Chronicle . 'If someone finds recyclable waste in places like Emmarentia or Linden, they need a space nearby where they can work—aggregate, sort, and sell.' 'That doesn't mean they live there. They camp temporarily for work purposes and move on. Homeless people remain in those spaces; that's the difference.' Waste reclaimers play a crucial role in reducing pressure on Johannesburg's overflowing landfills and municipal waste systems. Yet despite their contributions, the ARO says reclaimers are still marginalised and stigmatised. 'There's a big gap in understanding just how specialised this work is,' Tutani added. 'Waste reclaimers are experts at identifying, sorting, and collecting recyclable materials.' 'But they are often pushed aside, misunderstood, and blamed for untidy public spaces, when, in fact, they know how important it is to clean up after themselves.' The ARO equips waste pickers with essential tools, safety gear, and access to better-paying markets—support they wouldn't have on their own. The biggest hurdle remains changing public attitudes, and gaining formal support from the City of Johannesburg. 'We are in talks with the City to create safe, clean workspaces for reclaimers,' Tutani concluded. 'If municipalities invested even a fraction of the money reclaimers save the city each year, everyone would benefit.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Breaking the stigma on waste reclaimers of Johannesburg
The African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) has issued a strong call to the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and the broader public to recognise the essential work of waste reclaimers, and to provide them with the necessary infrastructure to operate with dignity and safety. ARO programme co-ordinator Nandi Tutani stressed the urgent need to shift harmful perceptions that connect waste reclaimers with homelessness, and instead focus on the vital role they play in South Africa's waste management system. Read more: Where to dump your garden refuse and general waste in Johannesburg? 'Reclaimers are not homeless people. They follow the materials,' Tutani explained. 'If someone finds recyclable waste in places like Emmarentia or Linden, they need a space nearby where they can work – aggregate, sort, and sell. That doesn't mean they live there. They camp temporarily for work purposes and move on. Homeless people remain in those spaces; that's the difference.' According to ARO, reclaimers collect nearly 90% of all materials that are recycled in the city, saving Johannesburg municipalities an estimated R780m annually in landfill space alone. Also read: Waste reclaimers divide community opinions Despite this contribution, reclaimers are still marginalised and stigmatised. Tutani highlighted the ongoing lack of infrastructure to support their work, and the disconnect between city officials and the lived realities of reclaimers. 'There's a big gap in understanding just how specialised this work is. Waste reclaimers are experts at identifying, sorting, and collecting recyclable materials,' she said. 'But they are often pushed aside, misunderstood, and blamed for untidy public spaces, when, in fact, they know how important it is to clean up after themselves.' ARO, a member-based organisation, provides reclaimers with resources they typically wouldn't have access to, including transport, bulk bags, protective gear like safety boots, gloves, and masks, as well as training in health and safety protocols. They also connect reclaimers to better-paying markets. 'Our biggest fight is against the stigma,' said Tutani. 'We want to bring dignity to reclaimers, and educate the community about how critical their work is. They are diverting significant volumes of waste from landfills, and yet they have no formal spaces to work from.' Tutani said the organisation is in talks with the CoJ to establish dedicated work sites for reclaimers, but progress has been slow. 'We're not asking for much – just clean, safe spaces where reclaimers can do their work properly. It would benefit everyone, including the municipalities, and improve how waste is managed in the city.' As negotiations continue, ARO remains committed to organising reclaimers, providing support, and advocating for their rightful place in the city's waste economy. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: 12 recycling tips for your waste At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
