Walk into any township in South Africa, and the energy is undeniable. Street vendors set up their stalls, repair shops hum with activity, and waste reclaimers push their trolleys through the streets. The informal economy is the backbone of these communities, providing income for many. But while the hustle is constant, stability and growth remain out of reach for too many. Work is often precarious, earnings are low. Opportunities to build long-term livelihoods are limited – especially for young people.
When we asked our partners where real opportunity exists for township youth, they pointed to the green value chain as an area brimming with potential. It’s already in motion, powered by reclaimers, recyclers, entrepreneurs, and grassroots innovators who are turning waste into opportunity. Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a central role. They connect informal workers to formal markets and keep value moving through the chain. With the right support, MSMEs can create jobs, strengthen local economies, and open up long-term opportunities for youth.
The Anglo American Foundation – together with partners RLabs, TechnoServe, GreenCape, and Scout Impact – set out to co-design the Circular Economy Programme that connects reclaimers, small businesses, and corporate partners, developing a solution that unlocks opportunities and capital across the green value chain.
Over a year of workshops and ongoing engagement shaped a model that is practical, scalable, and rooted in community needs.
Bringing together diverse strengths, each partner plays a vital role in making this vision a reality.
RLabs contributes deep expertise in youth empowerment and micro-business development.
TechnoServe supports small- and medium-sized recycling enterprises with business growth and market access.
GreenCape connects the recycling sector, ensuring buy-back centres and small businesses have the support to scale.
Scout Impact’s value chain verification platform helps MSMEs better showcase the value they create, while enabling large enterprises to take greater accountability for sourcing, fair pay, and working conditions across their supply chains.
At its core, the Circular Economy Programme champions recognition, dignity, and economic opportunity. By strengthening each link in the value chain and bridging the gap between the informal and formal economies, the programme helps ensure that reclaimers are seen, creates pathways to sustainability for micro-businesses, and enables small enterprises to scale. This approach lays the foundation for a more inclusive, resilient circular economy.
“Doing something ambitious–like nurturing a circular economy that benefits low-income communities and the environment–requires collaboration and partnership.” Juan Carlos Thomas, Vice President for Entrepreneurship and New Ventures, TechnoServe
Progress depends on collaboration – between corporate partners, local enterprises, implementing organisations, and township entrepreneurs. Together, they are shifting perceptions of waste and unlocking long-term, sustainable livelihoods.
“The circular economy is about more than just recycling. It’s about turning waste into opportunity. When young people step into this space, they gain stability, hope, and the chance to shape their own economic future. This isn’t just about sustainability. It’s about building futures.”Marlon Parker, Co-founder of RLabs