The township has long been a space of limited resources, where survival is the order of the day. This is underpinned by the reality that when all you can do is sink or swim, you are seldom left with any choice but to make a plan. Yet, beneath the surface of struggle, it is a place of profound opportunity. The township, with all its challenges, is a natural embodiment of the principles of the circular economy — a system of reusing, repurposing and minimising waste to create value.
For decades, South Africa’s township residents have engaged in practices that could easily be categorised as circular economy initiatives, long before the term became popular. These practices didn’t arise from environmental awareness but from necessity, a powerful driver of innovation. The resilience and resourcefulness of township residents have allowed them to create something from nothing, to turn what others consider waste into valuable resources.
Take, for example, the reuse of everyday materials. Our grandmothers would repurpose old margarine or ice cream containers to store food, and it wasn’t uncommon to see a sack used to store oranges sewn tightly and turned into something used to scrub yourself while bathing. In my own family, I remember how my mother salvaged bricks from a demolished property and repurposed them to create paving for our home, turning gravel into a neat, usable space. This is the township way, finding value where others see none because you don’t have a choice until it becomes a way of life.
This culture of reuse is evident everywhere in the township. Broken furniture is repaired, old clothes are stitched up and discarded items are reimagined into useful products. In many ways, the township has always been green. However, the time has come to make these practices sustainable in order to transform this township practice into one that drives sustainability and wealth creation.
The circular economy in action
Let me introduce you to a young entrepreneur who epitomises the circular economy in the township. Meet Bongane,who became instantly jobless after finishing matric. He looked to his late grandmother’s sewing skill for inspiration because he was the default sewing assistant — a task he didn’t like at all, but one that would later change his life.
Bongane began collecting discarded marketing banners from media companies - banners that would ordinarily be sent to landfills. He transformed them into bags and other reusable fashionable items. What started as a survival tactic has since become a thriving business, with these bags now sold in local markets and beyond. This exceptional young entrepreneur now employs four permanent staff members.
This example shows that the township’s participation in the circular economy is not just a feel-good story, but has real economic potential. By reusing, repurposing and repairing discarded items, township entrepreneurs are creating businesses that could significantly contribute to South Africa’s economy. In 2022 alone, the township economy contributed more than R400-billion to the national GDP.
The role of big business
But for this potential to be fully realised, big business must step up as an enabler. Large corporations often discard resources, whether it be raw materials, equipment or even knowledge that could be invaluable to township entrepreneurs. These discarded resources, if matched with the right entrepreneurs, could spark new businesses and create employment opportunities.
A key opportunity here lies in fostering partnerships between corporations and township businesses. Imagine a system where large companies direct their excess or unusable materials to township entrepreneurs, who then repurpose these into marketable goods. This would not only reduce corporate waste but also support small businesses in the townships.
By providing education on sustainable practices, corporations can help township businesses understand how to turn their circular economy activities into profitable ventures. Many of these entrepreneurs are already engaging in practices that align with circular economy principles, but they lack the formal knowledge to capitalise on these efforts.
Educating for sustainability
The real task ahead is to educate township entrepreneurs on the value of the circular economy, not from an environmental standpoint, but from a financial one. If entrepreneurs can see the monetary value in what they are already doing, they will be far more motivated to scale these efforts. This means showing them how to formalise their operations, how to access markets and how to create sustainable income from what has historically been seen as survivalist activities.
There is already significant demand for township products, both locally and internationally. For example, South African township businesses, particularly in sectors like retail and manufacturing, are projected to grow at an average of 3.5% per year. By formalising circular economy practices, these businesses can tap into new markets, creating even more opportunities for growth.
Creating a better community
Ultimately, the circular economy presents an opportunity not just for individual entrepreneurs but for entire communities. By creating sustainable businesses, entrepreneurs can provide employment, improve living conditions and reduce the environmental impact of waste.
The township has always had a green economy. Now, the challenge is to turn this inherent sustainability into formalised businesses that create jobs and drive prosperity. By doing so, we not only uplift township communities but also contribute to the broader South African economy. It’s time for big business, government and society at large to recognise the value of the township economy, and invest in its potential. When we do, we will see that the future of South Africa’s economic growth lies in the very places that have been historically overlooked. DM