Recycling is not just about waste management but is a vital tool for environmental preservation and sustainable agriculture, according to Kudzai Chiyangwa, the Site Manager for Zimbabwe Sunshine Group.
Speaking at the National Youth Empowerment Symposium held in Harare today, Chiyangwa stressed the importance of rethinking how society views waste, particularly in the face of rising environmental challenges and food insecurity.
“Waste should not be viewed as useless. It is a valuable resource that can be transformed into something beneficial. Through recycling, especially biodegradable waste, we can create organic manure that supports sustainable agriculture and contributes to food security,” she said.
Chiyangwa highlighted the ongoing efforts by Zimbabwe Sunshine Group in promoting environmental sustainability through education and practical waste management initiatives. The organisation works with local communities to collect, sort, and recycle waste, turning what is often discarded into a resource that can serve both the environment and the economy.
“We work with various people. There are those who collect waste and make an income from it. They collect and grade different types- plastics on their own, and cardboards on their own. Many are surviving from that. This shows that recycling is not only good for the environment but also creates livelihoods.”
She noted that Zimbabwe, like many developing countries, faces serious challenges related to pollution, poor waste disposal, and land degradation. However, these problems also present an opportunity to innovate and empower communities particularly young people to lead change through green initiatives.
“Pollution and land degradation are major issues, but we can turn these challenges into opportunities. Young people have the energy and creativity to drive these green solutions forward. By adopting eco-friendly practices and taking waste management seriously, we can reduce environmental pollution, improve public health, and empower youth through green jobs,” she said.
Chiyangwa encouraged the youth to become environmental champions in their communities, noting that small, consistent actions such as composting household waste or separating recyclables can have a significant collective impact.
“Every small action counts. If each household composted their biodegradable waste, we would see a massive reduction in pollution and a boost in organic manure production.”
The National Youth Empowerment Symposium is a multi-sectoral platform that brings together Government officials, development partners, and young entrepreneurs to discuss opportunities for youth involvement in economic growth and sustainable development.
This year’s edition features a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, with sessions covering topics such as artificial intelligence, climate resilience, agribusiness, and community empowerment.
Chiyangwa’s message echoed the broader theme of the symposium that youth are not just future leaders, but current agents of change capable of driving Zimbabwe’s progress toward its Vision 2030 goals.
“Our youth are at the forefront of this transformation,” she said. “They are the innovators, the entrepreneurs, and the stewards of a sustainable Zimbabwe. Engaging them in these efforts is crucial if we are to achieve the goals set out in Vision 2030.”
