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How this man from Johannesburg is turning trash into treasure, one recyclable at a time

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Smanga Mthembu is the owner of Umphakathi Recyclers in White City, Soweto, operating a burgeoning recycling operation. (Photo: Fani Mahuntsi)
Smanga Mthembu is the owner of Umphakathi Recyclers in White City, Soweto, operating a burgeoning recycling operation. (Photo: Fani Mahuntsi)

He had his heart set on university and was thrilled when he was accepted to study public management at the University of Johannesburg.

But in his second year in 2012 he was forced to drop out because of a lack of funds. Smanga Mthembu could’ve joined the ranks of millions of unemployed young South Africans, many of whom have given up looking for work.

Instead he looked around to see what he could do, not only for himself but for others and the environment – and today the 30-year-old entrepreneur is a business owner who employs a team of six and is making a difference to the lives of many.

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