Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
BULAWAYO was buzzing last Saturday. The Miss and Mr Rural Zimbabwe pageant was back in town after a long break and it was a big deal. Ja Dijo restaurant was packed with excited hopefuls for the crown and there were also some important guests that wanted to witness the return of the pageant.
Lady Tshawe, Bulawayo City Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Officer shared the stage with esteemed figures like Chief Dakamela, Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, Sipho Mazibuko and the guest of honour, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni. Their presence underscored the significance of the pageant and its potential impact.
Adding a touch of local flavour to the event was a showcase of cultural and artistic treasures. Among the standout displays was Sukoluhle Ncube’s exhibit, a testament to both artistic vision and environmental consciousness. A product of Mzilikazi suburb now residing in Mahatshula North, she has transformed her passion for sustainability into a thriving enterprise. She’s the founder and CEO of “African Recycling Queens,” a company breathing new life into discarded glass bottles.
Ncube’s skilled hands weave magic, crafting exquisite centrepieces and decorative pieces, each one a unique masterpiece. Her story, waiting to be unfolded, promised a glimpse into the creative spirit that thrives in Zimbabwe’s communities. “I took inspiration from the abundance of empty drink bottles that I saw being thrown away and wanted to give them a new life. By repurposing these bottles, I’m able to keep them out of landfills and give them a second purpose. It’s a simple yet effective way to divert waste from the environment.”
Ncube, who was raised Catholic and attended St Patrick’s Primary School and Mzilikazi High School, started her business with her daughter Nomagugu Sibanda, who serves as the manager and personal assistant. The two women are passionate about reducing waste and promoting sustainability, which is why they chose to call their enterprise “The Recycling Queens.”
“What really inspired me to start this business was the sheer volume of glass bottles that I saw being discarded every day. It seemed like such a waste, and I knew that with a little creativity, I could transform these bottles into something beautiful and valuable,” said Ncube. Ncube’s artistic works involves experimenting with different decorative techniques and designs using everything from colourful beads and intricate patterns to original artwork and embellishments. The response from her customers has been overwhelming and she is thrilled to be able to turn trash into treasure.
“The Recycling Queen is my way of making a difference, one bottle at a time. By repurposing these discarded items, I’m not only reducing waste, but I’m also supporting my local community and economy,” she said. In addition to her bottle-recycling efforts, Ncube also creates a variety of other recycled art, including fabric-painted wall hangers, recycled gift cards, beaded bags, African-designed table cloths and runners, placemats, aprons and oven gloves.
She credited her success to the time she worked for a company called “Lembu” where she learned the art of designing on ostrich egg shells. Ncube’s dream is to be known worldwide for her recycling bottled art and she is using social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram to connect with potential customers as she works to grow her business. She has also found success through networking events organised by The Esteemed Business Woman Bulawayo, a group founded by modelling guru and businesswoman, Sipho Mazibuko.
“Being able to attend ma’am Mazibuko’s events allows small businesses like mine to grow in the industry. Last week, I was honoured to be part of the launch of Mr and Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant, where I had the opportunity to meet esteemed guests like the Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Dr Sithembiso Nyoni and Bulawayo City Council’s Arts, Culture, and Heritage Officer, Lady Tshawe, as well as Chief Dakamela,” she said.
Ncube is grateful for the support she has received and is excited to continue her mission of transforming trash into treasure. “Remember, ‘Don’t lose it, reuse it’,” has been her mantra. “If we all embrace this type of art, we will be able to keep our streets clean and create income for many people in the process,” she said. “Minister Nyoni spoke about the national fabric that our First Lady (Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa) introduced. Upon hearing this, I was inspired to incorporate it into my art.
I decided to decorate some of the bottles I have with our national colours and the national bird. “Having roots from Dakamela was not just a coincidence for me. I took this as a sign that I should reconnect with my heritage and work with my relatives, if the chief will have me. We could start by teaching this unique, unusual type of art to the elders and youth in Chief Dakamela’s area.
I hope to collaborate with interested parties in the nearby future as I believe my goal of making a positive impact in our country and worldwide will be greatly aided by their support,” she said. Ncube’s project aligns perfectly with the Government’s push for a cleaner environment. She’s not only cleaning up waste but also sharing her bottle design and decoration skills, fostering a spirit of caring for the environment that can be passed on.
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