Latest news with #Waldeck
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Ivan Waldeck: From gang leader to guiding light
Ivan Waldeck's book is now for sale Image: Supplied Once a feared gangster and convicted murderer, Ivan Waldeck has become one of South Africa's most powerful voices for change. His newly released autobiography, The Gates of Hell, tells the unflinching story of how a life shaped by poverty, violence and addiction was turned into a mission of hope, healing and transformation. Born and raised in Tiervlei-Ravensmead, Cape Town, Waldeck was no stranger to hardship. Losing both his father and twin siblings at a young age, he grew up in a shack with a single mother trying to hold the family together. With poverty all around and violence on every corner, gangsterism seemed less like a choice and more like a means of survival. He joined young and rose quickly, driven by a desire for power and protection in a brutal environment. His life is a story few would believe if it weren't told in his own words. Now, Waldeck is using his past not for pity or pride, but to pave a way out for those still trapped in the violent cycle he narrowly escaped. Waldeck's criminal rise brought him face to face with some of the Western Cape's most feared figures — including Rashied Staggie, leader of the Hard Livings gang. But in an unexpected twist, years later, the two men would work together toward a different kind of legacy: helping others break free from the same destructive lifestyle they once embodied. While imprisoned, Waldeck began to experience a radical shift. A brief yet life-altering encounter with Nelson Mandela at Pollsmoor Prison became a moment of reckoning. What followed was years of soul-searching, transformation and the painful work of reconciliation — both with himself and those he had hurt. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Ivan Waldeck shared personal accounts of his most darkest moments Image: Supplied 'The reason for this book was our young men dying every week on our streets,' Waldeck says. 'Mothers' tears moved me to give hope to our young generation and make them aware that there is a way out of gangs.' The Gates of Hell, which took two years to write, is raw, unfiltered, and rooted in truth — not glorifying gang life, but exposing its devastating toll. Waldeck doesn't write as a victim or a hero, but as someone who has lived the darkness and chosen the light. 'I took every opportunity to better my life and build a future for my children — and to reach out to those in need to exit the life of crime.' He now leads the Cape Transformation Centre, a non-profit organisation committed to helping others find a way out. The centre's flagship programme, EXIT, supports individuals seeking to leave gangs and overcome addiction. It offers a structured 12-step recovery process for drug users, alongside counselling and guidance for reintegration into communities. Waldeck is also deeply committed to prevention. 'My goal is for The Gates of Hell to become a comprehension book for Grade 8 students in South African schools,' he explains. 'To inform them and warn them not to be involved in crime and gangs.' Rashieda Staggie with Ivan Waldeck and his wife Nathasha Image: Supplied He recalls haunting scenes from his time in prison, where boys barely into their teens were thrown into a world they weren't ready for. 'I saw young men who couldn't stand their ground. They were abused in different ways, and many times it's too late to intervene. I remember one gangster who hanged himself because he couldn't deal with the 'Numbers' system and their requirements.' Waldeck, now a husband, father, and community leader, remains grounded in the belief that change is possible — not just for individuals, but for entire communities. 'We must appreciate those who care,' he said. 'Because sometimes, that's all it takes to stop someone from falling.' The Gates of Hell is more than a personal memoir. It's a beacon of possibility for those society has written off, a tool for educators and community leaders, and a rallying cry for a nation battling crime and youth disillusionment. The Gates of Hell by Ivan Waldeck is available now in print and digital formats. For schools, churches, community organisations and anyone passionate about social justice and second chances, this is a book that demands to be read — and shared. Weekend Argus
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hillsborough Solid Waste helps more than 100 businesses decrease eco-footprint through program
The Brief Hillsborough County Solid Waste helps businesses decrease their eco-footprint through its Commercial Recycling Consultation Program. In 2023, Hillsborough County collected nearly 3.5 million tons of solid waste. The Hillsborough County Sustainability Committee is working to increase the recycling rate locally through a free educational program. TAMPA, Fla. - Hillsborough County Solid Waste has helped more than 100 businesses reduce their eco footprint through its Commercial Recycling Consultation Program. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in 2023, more than 53 million tons of solid waste were collected statewide, and 3.5 million tons came from Hillsborough County. Local perspective The Florida Legislature said recycling rates are not where they should be. In 2020, the state's recycling rate was 50%, falling short of its 75% goal. The Hillsborough County Sustainability Committee is working to increase the recycling rate locally through a free educational program. "We have a Commercial Recycling Consultation Program," said Hillsborough County Recycling Coordinator Angela Fama. "Helping keep these materials out of our landfill, getting them back into production to help create new items." Fama said Hillsborough County's 38,000 businesses and non-profits are welcome to participate to lower their eco footprint. "To date, we've completed over 100 recycling consultations, some of which have been for county departments, including fire rescue, and the Medical Examiner's Office," Fama said. More recently, the Hillsborough Pet Resource Center participated. The Commercial Recycling Consultation team does a walkthrough of the business to identify materials that belong in the recycling bin. READ: Passengers and crew aboard cruise ship detail seeing chaos of Clearwater Ferry crash "We unfortunately did not have a recycling program here at Pet Resource Center, so we were going through a lot of dumpsters every day," said Hillsborough Pet Resource Center Division Director Chelsea Waldeck." Dumpster pickup would be one to two times a day every single day of the week." What's next The Hillsborough PRC now has recycling dumpsters and bins for recycling many items that were previously unavailable. "Whether it's donations coming in through Amazon boxes or just feeding bags and feeding cans, and all of the treat boxes that we have, medication boxes," Waldeck said. Waldeck said it's a good feeling to give back to the community in new ways. "Knowing that as a government entity we are using our resources as wisely as we possibly can," Waldeck said. What you can do To request a consultation or educational resources, email Recycling@ CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis collected the information in this story. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
