In Bushbuckridge, a mother turned bottles into opportunity, building a business that supports her family and her community.
Every morning in Shatale, Bushbuckridge, 40-year-old Festie Lerato Masite wakes up early to begin her day. What started as a way to survive unemployment has grown into something bigger. With no formal training, she taught herself through research, determination and courage. “I took a risk and used a grant to start,” she explains. That leap of faith paid off.
Festie began collecting glass bottles and jars door to door in 2022. Today, she has grown her efforts into a thriving business, employing nine part-time employees, and even investing in a bakkie to transport glass packaging. Through this, she now supports 12 family members. What once was hardship; has become stability and hope.
Her work keeps her community cleaner and puts food on the table for others. “I am proud to run my company and to employ others so that they can also put food on the table,” she says. Recycling has given her dignity and pride and created a ripple effect of opportunity.
Festie’s recycling business focuses mainly on glass bottles and jars, and mixed-colour glass, making her collections more impactful, making her collections more impactful. The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) has supported her with bags, advice and a transport subsidy. “In the past, I had to hire trucks which were very expensive to hire. Now I have my own bakkie and for bigger loads I can still hire transport using the TGRC transport subsidy to assist with long distance trips. It helps me cover more ground and grow my business.”
For Festie, recycling is more than work – it is purpose. Her advice for starting your own recycling journey centres on mental preparation: “Be prepared mentally before entering recycling, then secure bigger transport, it is the key to success.” She hopes her story inspires others to see opportunity in waste.
From self-taught beginnings to community impact, Festie has shown that recycling is not only about protecting the environment, but also about creating livelihoods and hope. Join Festie and thousands of South Africans who are transforming waste into jobs, cleaner communities and a greener future. TGRC is here to support you every step of the way. Visit www.tgrc.co.za or WhatsApp 073 809 8467.
