JOE cleans rubbish bins to earn a living.
Joe Mahlatji (44), of ward 18 in Mamelodi East, Tshwane said he hates the bad smell of dirty bins and the worms that live in them.
The idea of cleaning bins came to him in October last year after he lost his job as a supervisor at Retail Operational Security Services in Sunnyside.
“Few people are cleaning bins, so I saw it as a good opportunity.”
He started the job alone but soon had to hire six people to work for him as his business grew.
He said he was inspired by a bin cleaning project he saw on TV a few years ago.
“My business is doing well. On a good day I make R800 from cleaning 40 bins all over Mamelodi,” said Joe.
He said he is not ashamed of what he does because with the money he earns he is able to support his family.
“I am grateful to residents who support me. I would be happy if more people could make use of my service as I am on a mission to keep the environment clean.”
He is appealing to SunReaders to help him with a trailer, overalls, gloves, masks, boots and cleaning equipment.
His goal is to create more jobs in his community.
One of his workers, Magwaza Shibambu (50), said he is happy to be part of the cleaning initiative.
“Working has changed my life. I don’t go to bed on an empty stomach now,” he said.
Resident Lindi Ledwaba (60) said Joe is doing a good job.
“There’s no more bad smell and flies coming from my bin, and the air is my yard is fresh,” she said.
