For many South Africans, waste reclaimers are an invisible part of the country’s recycling system.
For Aphiwe Koti, they are environmental stewards whose work deserves recognition and respect.
Growing up in Samora Machel, Cape Town, Koti began reclaiming recyclable materials at the age of 16 as a way to earn an income. Like thousands of others across the country, he collects reusable materials from waste sites, helping divert valuable resources from landfill while supporting his livelihood.
Wanting to change how society views waste reclaimers, Koti turned to filmmaking, he shared with Beautiful News.
Through the DOCi – Emerging Filmmakers Programme, he produced Street Dogs, a documentary that shares the daily realities of waste reclaimers and the essential role they play in South Africa’s waste management system.
The film highlights how waste reclaimers face stigma and discrimination despite making a significant contribution to environmental sustainability and the economy.
South Africa is home to more than 60,000 waste reclaimers, who recover an estimated 80% of the country’s recyclable packaging and paper, saving municipalities more than R300 million in waste management costs every year.
By recovering recyclable materials before they reach landfill, waste reclaimers help reduce pollution, conserve natural resources and support the country’s transition to a circular economy.
For Koti, the documentary is about more than telling his own story.
“What I hope to achieve is to teach people that waste reclaimers are important,” he says.
His film premiered at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, giving audiences a new perspective on the people whose work helps keep communities cleaner while protecting the environment.
As South Africa continues to address unemployment, waste management and climate challenges, Koti’s story reminds us that recognising and supporting waste reclaimers is not only about dignity, it is also about valuing the people who make sustainability possible every day.
Description:
A Cape Town waste reclaimer is using the power of storytelling to challenge stereotypes and highlight the vital role waste reclaimers play in protecting the environment and supporting South Africa’s recycling economy.
Editor’s Note:
This story shines a light on the often-overlooked contribution of waste reclaimers. By sharing his personal journey through film, Aphiwe Koti is helping South Africans recognise waste reclaimers as environmental champions who keep recyclable materials out of landfills while supporting their families.
