HOW RECYCLING IS HELPING ONE MAN MAKE A LIVING
Ex-prisoner survives by turning waste in to profit
THE WASTE and recycling industry has given a former Ezibeleni prisoner an opportunity to make a living.
Songezo Zito, 32, says he has been collecting waste for recycling initiatives at the Ezibeleni tip site for the past two years.
“This is how some of us make money. We are here everyday. I have to be here at 6am, because that is when the first truck comes in to drop waste.”
The father of two said collecting waste and selling it to recycling companies was better than running a small business.
“I used to sell scones in town and I realised that with recycling, you do not have to buy any materials or products to sell.”
Local waste collectors can make more than R100 on a good day selling waste to recycling companies.
“What most people don’t realise, is that there is money to be made from this. It is better than asking people for money or robbing others. I respect my time as if I am employed by someone else. I am the oldest of five children and I am working to support my mother,” Zito said.
Zito decided to remain on the right side of the law after his release from Whittlesea prison for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
“I spent two years in prison because of my mistakes as a young person. I had an argument with my friend over substances we were using and we ended up fighting.”
He encouraged the youth to be self-reliant.
“I do not like depending on other people. I like being self-reliant because that is what I taught myself after I came out from prison. We do not have any off days. We are here whether it is raining or not, I always have my raincoat with me.''
Apart from collecting waste, Zito aspires to be a musician. “I do underground hip hop. I would also like to go commercial, so that my music and message can be heard.”
He has recorded 12 songs. “The title of my first song is: The Life
We Live. I never thought I would work in a place like this, but as time goes on, I have seen that this is a better way for me.”