Khayelitsha Buyback Centre Bootcamp equips collectors to grow Cape Town’s glass recycling economy

Glass Recycling Initiative Empowers Khayelitsha Entrepreneurs Through Business Bootcamp

Cape Town, 18 March 2026 — The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) has hosted a Buyback Centre and business management bootcamp in Khayelitsha, aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial capacity of glass collectors and expanding the sustainability of recycling enterprises across the Western Cape.

Held at the Isivivana Centre, the workshop brought together 65 participants, including buyback centres, recycling co-operatives, and independent collectors from Khayelitsha and Philippi. The initiative forms part of TGRC’s broader strategy to grow South Africa’s glass recycling ecosystem by supporting those working at the frontline of collection and material recovery.

Strengthening The Foundation Of The Recycling Economy

Collectors and buyback centres play a critical role in diverting glass from landfills while creating income opportunities within communities. TGRC’s programme focuses on strengthening this grassroots economy by equipping participants with the skills needed to build sustainable businesses.

“Collectors and buyback centres are at the heart of South Africa’s glass recycling ecosystem,” said Shabeer Jhetam, CEO of TGRC. “By investing in business training and fostering collaboration across the value chain, we are enabling entrepreneurs to grow viable enterprises while increasing glass recovery rates.”

Practical Training For Sustainable Growth

The bootcamp focused on practical business management skills tailored to the needs of emerging recycling entrepreneurs. Key areas included business registration and compliance, financial management, record keeping, tracking collection volumes, and understanding the broader business environment.

Participants were also introduced to the triple bottom line approach, balancing environmental, social, and economic impact — a key principle for long-term sustainability in the recycling sector.

For many attendees, the training addressed the gap between operating informally and building structured businesses capable of accessing funding and growth opportunities.

Collaboration Across The Recycling Value Chain

The workshop was delivered in partnership with stakeholders across the recycling and enterprise development landscape. Representatives from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment provided insights into South Africa’s evolving waste management policies, including the role of Extended Producer Responsibility in supporting small businesses.

Enterprise development organisation Fetola also shared opportunities for participants to access incubation programmes, grant funding, and support from financial institutions and impact investors.

Promoting Safety And Community Impact

In addition to training, TGRC distributed personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, and protective eyewear, to promote safe working conditions in glass collection and handling.

Participants also had the opportunity to share challenges and insights from their daily operations, helping TGRC and its partners refine future support initiatives.

Building A More Resilient Recycling Sector

The strong participation and engagement highlight growing interest in recycling as a pathway to entrepreneurship and job creation. Beyond skills development, the bootcamp created valuable networking opportunities, connecting collectors with peers and industry stakeholders.

TGRC plans to roll out similar workshops across the country to further strengthen the recycling ecosystem, support enterprise development, and increase glass recovery rates.

By investing in people at the heart of the value chain, the organisation aims to drive both environmental impact and economic opportunity within South Africa’s communities.