ERMELO – A young woman, Thando Khanye from Leandra in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, was mistaken for a junkie when she began picking up waste for manufacturing.
However, currently Khanye is hailed by her community as a pioneer for waste management and manufacturing after her company, Bustani Trading started making strides and employing residents in her area.
The company manufactures diamond mesh wire fence, chicken mesh and steel fabrication using recycled wires and steel. She is one of the entrepreneurs who attended the Green Enterprise Development Colloquium hosted by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism with the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency at Gert Sibande District Municipality on 25 March, 2025.
Khanye said it is through such programs that she acquired immense knowledge on the green energy sector and opportunities that exist.
“There is massive space for young people to occupy in this sector, but one cannot achieve anything by folding their arms. I got information and funding from various organizations to make my company a reality. We need to get out there and grab those opportunities,” she said.
She currently operates from her backyard and employs five people, three of which are professional welders and two are mesh weavers. Khanye said her company, which started in 2024, mostly absorbs retrenched mine workers from her area who work and train other young people in her township.
“The challenge we currently have is having enough space to work and securing other working equipment. We also need more female welders and other skills commonly known to be male dominant. But such events are very vital to share more light on the green energy sector and how we can be supported and assisted as entrepreneurs,” added Khanye.
