MATABELELAND Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) director Khumbulani Maphosa has revealed that his institution is in the process of recruiting waste pickers in the rural areas.
Maphosa told Southern Eye that waste picking was introduced in remote areas last year.
“We are already doing waste picking in rural areas. We already have groups in some of the areas like Matopo, Mawabeni, Gwanda, rural iNyathi, Nkayi and in Lupane that are doing waste picking,” he said.
“So what these ones from Bulawayo can do is to create linkages with those that are in rural areas. But we didn’t want a situation where people leave town to go and pick waste in rural areas when there are people who can actually benefit from that side.”
Maphosa added that they had come out with a Conference Outcome Document in which he said they were pleading with waste pickers to adopt it so that they could get recognised or benefit from a lot of things through waste picking.
“The issue here is we are coming from a point where we are not recognised, we are coming from a point where there is no policy, and we are coming from a point where the funding streams do not recognise you,” he said.
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“So, therefore, for you to reach the desired goal, you need to take baby steps, bit by bit, know what you can chew and know what you can swallow.”
Maphosa said they made a presentation to Bulawayo City Council management last year on the waste picker integrated solid waste management.