Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
DRIVEN by a shared exasperation with Bulawayo’s ever-growing rubbish problem, 25-year-old Sandile Ndiweni and his friend Muzobanzi Zulu (24) decided enough was enough. Together, they established Blue Lace Recycling, a pioneering grassroots company dedicated to waste management and recycling. Their ambition is clear: to reclaim Bulawayo’s once pristine image and usher in a cleaner future.
The two young entrepreneurs are proving that age is no barrier to driving environmental change.
Armed with little more than determination and a vision for a cleaner city, they launched a recycling company that is not only addressing Bulawayo’s growing waste problem but also creating employment and fostering a culture of sustainability among residents.
“I grew up seeing Bulawayo as a beautiful city. We were once named the cleanest city in Zimbabwe. I believe we can reclaim that status, but it starts with us taking responsibility for our own waste,” said Ndiweni.
Blue Lace Recycling, incorporated in 2023 and formally registered later that year, is already making a tangible impact. Operating with a small but dedicated team of five young employees, the company offers waste collection and sorting services, particularly at private events such as national celebrations, sporting tournaments, and music concerts.
“The launch of this recycling company marks a step towards a greener and more sustainable Bulawayo. We saw an opportunity in what most people ignore —trash. Waste is big business. It’s a reminder that even the biggest challenges can be overcome with passion, determination, and commitment. No one wants to do it, but someone has to,” said Ndiweni.
The young innovators believe their venture is about more than just collecting rubbish — it’s about inspiring a cultural shift. Beyond collection, Blue Lace sorts and processes waste, ensuring recyclable materials are diverted from landfills and given a second life.
Solid waste management has become one of Bulawayo’s most persistent civic challenges. The city has struggled with poor refuse collection due to ageing equipment, inconsistent service delivery, and a growing urban population. Illegal dumpsites in sanitary lanes and overflowing bins are a common sight, posing public health risks and clogging storm drains — especially hazardous during the rainy season.
In recent years, Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has encouraged community partnerships and private sector involvement in waste reduction strategies. Blue Lace Recycling is eager to collaborate with the municipality.
“We’re engaging with BCC to formalise our co-operation. Our goal is to supplement the city’s efforts, especially in areas where regular waste collection is falling short,” said Ndiweni.
He said that the initiative has been warmly received by residents who are keen to see Bulawayo reclaim its former glory.
“Many believe that this kind of entrepreneurial spirit, combined with community involvement, is exactly what the city needs,” said Ndiweni.
