THE landfill site in Soshanguve, Tshwane was turning into a battlefield.
Recycling became a game where only the strongest survived. Recyclers pushed each other, ran to the rubbish trucks and fought over the material they found at the Soshanguve landfill.
But since most people depended on the dumpsite for survival, they decided to come up with a plan.
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Elizabeth Mahlangu (58) said they had to treat the dumpsite as a workplace to create peace and ensure that everyone earned money.
"We formed shifts. People chose what they wanted to focus on, and what material they wanted to recycle. We also chose leaders and within a day there was harmony," she said.
She said they welcome anyone who wants to make money in the area.
"There are people who come just for the clothes, which they either sell or take for themselves. Others recycle bottles and boxes. Everyone has their own speciality," she said.
She said there have been disputes over the years.
"Men got more jobs than women, so we divided people into groups and decided that the older people should work together while women and young people also have their own groups. That way we can all get what we want in harmony," she said.
Elizabeth said she has worked at the dumpsite for 32 years.
"I have fed my family with the money from this dumpsite, and this is my home," she said.
Michael Phalane (25), who collects cans and bottles at the dumpsite, said he has been working at the dumpsite for six years. "Since I started working here, I can earn money myself without stealing from anyone. It keeps me busy and makes me forget about smoking nyaope," he said.
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Piet Tshaballala (52) said he helps caretakers at the dumpsite so that there is no violence.
"So far there is no fighting. There are different trucks coming here and each group is targeting a particular one," he said.
Patrick Zwane, who sells kotas, said that he has been selling there for three years.
"I make sure people are fed here. What they do is a good and I saw an opportunity to make money as well," he said.
