Young entrepreneur opens buy back centre in Isipingo:
After completing matric in 2016, Sebastian Munilall (19) knew he wanted to build a sustainable future for himself. After extensive research, he decided that the recycling industry presented an excellent entrepreneurial opportunity for him.
Munilall says his father has 13 years of experience in the recycling industry. “My father collects recyclables such as paper and plastic from various companies, he then sells them to buy-back centres in the area and that is where my entrepreneurial skills stem from. He is one of the reasons I thought a buy-back centre might be a good option for me.”
A meeting with Mpact Recycling earlier this year was the clincher for Munilall. He was so inspired he started a buy-back centre for recyclables in the same month. “Mpact has been incredibly encouraging and assisted me by providing a scale and containers for the recyclables.”
The operation, SW Collectors, is situated in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal. After having to relocate from its original site to a new one in June, the business was officially launched on 28 July. Munilall says he is grateful for the support and help received by Mpact Recycling, KwaZulu-Natal Procurement Specialist Debbie Botha and Isipingo Ward 90 councillor, Sunil Brijmohan with the location of the new site.
Munilall is excited about his prospects. “I collected 12 tonnes of recyclables in my first month and the figure keeps growing monthly. I have several waste pickers and a few businesses bringing their recyclable materials to me on a regular basis,” he says.
The motivated young entrepreneur is particularly proud that his operation helps put money in the pockets of many unemployed people. “My vision for the future includes creating employment. I noticed several collectors in the area and I told them how to make an income by collecting recyclables. Now I have between 40 and 50 people bringing their material to my centre regularly.”
The support of his parents, a healthy dose of self-motivation as well as hard work are the driving forces behind Munilall’s future aspirations. “With my parents and Mpact on my side, I believe I can succeed in growing my business and creating more opportunities for others.”
Mpact Recycling Regional Manager, KwaZulu-Natal, Pieter van der Westhuizen, says Munilall’s buy-back centre will not only have a positive impact on the environment, but on the local community as well. “We see Sebastian as an inspiration to other young people who are looking to create opportunities for themselves and urge businesses in the area to support him by dropping off their recyclables at his site in Isipingo.
“SW Collectors is one of the over 40 buy-back centres around the country that supply us with recyclable material and an example of our social entrepreneurship empowerment model, which aims to partner with local entrepreneurs who help to collect recycled material,” concludes van der Westhuizen.
CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.
Click HERE to submit your Durban / Kwazulu-Natal Press Release.
