Turning trash into treasure: Remi’s journey

Sikhulekelani Moyo and Panashe Marijeni

THE darkest hour is just before dawn when shadows linger and hope seems lost. The world feels cold, and the night stretches long as you wait for the light. For about four years, through trials and tribulations, a Bulawayo man found strength and hidden grace in recycling. Through the darkness, he learned to see the light that shines eternally.

This is the story of Remi Mutowanyuka, who has been suffering from various illnesses for the past four years. Living with HIV, Mutowanyuka has also battled meningitis and tuberculosis, which caused him to lose his memory for some time. After being discharged from hospital, he was not fit to continue his job as a mechanical engineer, necessitating a new source of income.

Mutowanyuka then turned to recycling, producing artistic products that caught the eyes of art lovers.
“I collect waste like used tyres, paper, and plastic. I then make sculptures and craftwork like mirrors, pencil holders and wall decorations, which I sell. I feel like my gift comes from God but I do not work or get any visions based on my faith. I believe in my instinct and imagination, thinking outside the box to the extent that I do not give names to my artwork.”

Mutowanyuka, who is based in Harare, exhibited at this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo under the Single Parents Movement, a group supporting single parents who are trying to provide for their children. The Single Parents Movement supports underprivileged children, including orphans who lost their parents to HIV by paying their fees and other necessities.

Mutowanyuka also urged youths to capitalise on recycling, saying it would keep them occupied and earning money rather than engaging in unlawful activities like drug abuse and theft.

“I feel like recycling is not being utilised. When people think of recycling, they just think of picking up used waste and selling it to someone,” he said.

“I encourage the youth and the public to recycle plastic products and make something useful from them. My vision is to join the fight against drug and substance abuse by introducing a youth training centre where underprivileged youth can learn how to make art and craft for free. We call upon the Government to establish these centres where knowledgeable individuals can teach youths, giving them something to do after school.”

Experts have said the recycling sector in Zimbabwe has the potential to become a billion-dollar industry, creating thousands of green jobs. Recycling also aligns with efforts to reduce land pollution by implementing sustainable waste management strategies such as waste separation at source and material recovery.

According to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, the country produces an estimated 1,65 million tonnes of waste per annum, 90 percent of which can either be reused, recycled, or composted.