The six Packa-Ching units, supported by Polyco and Shoprite, are located in Cape Town, Thabazimbi, Katlehong, Mpilenhle, East London, and Gqeberha.
The programme also creates jobs, with the Gqeberha unit’s five employees forming part of the Shoprite Group’s participation in the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative. The YES programme encourages corporates to contribute to empowerment in areas of national priority, addressing youth unemployment and upskilling the youth through job placements.
‘We’ve seen the positive impact these units have on local communities, for those generating an income from recyclables, and for those employed by them. We’re confident that this unit will expand our reach and impact even further by promoting recycling and removing waste from Gqeberha communities,’ says Sanjeev Raghubir, Shoprite Group’s sustainability manager.
With its entrepreneur-focused approach, the Packa-Ching unit consists of a truck and trailer, enabling regular multiple community visits.
Residents bring their recyclables on collection day; the material is weighed, and the monetary value thereof is then loaded into the user’s e-wallet. Community members can spend their money at any Shoprite, Usave or Checkers store.
Click here to read in the E-mag.
