Wastepickers 'unsung heroes' in keeping KZN clean
As people around the globe celebrate World Environment Day today - KZN Environmental Affairs says they are exploring the possibility to integrate waste pickers into their solid waste management system.
The department has recognised the work of waste-pickers and street collectors in the province, a fundamental key in keeping KZN clean.
The department's spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya says despite exposure to possible germs and disease the pickers, travel many kilometres on a daily basis, gathering about 300kg of waste which they segregate before selling to recycling traders.
Many waste collectors lost an income as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19.
Sibiya says before the lockdown, they earned R1 500 to R2 000 a month.
READ: COVID-19 outbreaks at three KZN SASSA branches
He adds that their problems lie in the fact that, as they are in the informal economy, they are not registered for Unemployment Insurance Fund.
And are unable to claim any other employment-related social security scheme.
These are unsung heroes who collect waste. The MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube describes them as a symbol of indomitable courage. It is for these reasons that we regard wastepickers as wasteprenuers.
Sibiya says they are working to ensure that waste pickers are registered formally.
