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Mthabisi Tshuma, Gwanda Correspondent
TWENTY-Seven-year-old Mgcini Banda is a Midlands State University (MSU) graduate from Gwanda who survives by turning litter into artifacts sold to tourists and businesses.

After not securing a job, Mr Banda who holds a degree in Geography and Environmental Studies decided to start his own company which is now a registered enterprise. Mr Banda sells the artifacts that include sanitary containers, flower pots and office table containers, among others to tourists visiting Zimbabwe and other people around the country.

His first work earned him US$50 after he sold it to a tourist from Australia who was travelling in the world’s most expensive train Rovos that was passing through Gwanda on its way to Victoria Falls last year in February before Covid-19 struck.

Mr Banda is the founding director of Ultra-waste solution which is registered as a private company which uses technological innovations in turning waste into something worthwhile.

He co-owns the company with Mr Brent Zembe. Ultra-waste management is also part of Tech Village, a community of entrepreneurs who strive to change the world.

Chronicle caught up with Mr Banda who said he is using his skills to create a clean environment for the mining community of Gwanda.

“The motive behind the formation of this company was to tackle environmental challenges using technological innovations to generate income and create employment which is in line with SDG goal number 1 of poverty eradication.

“We recycle Delta Beverages waste into new products, we craft waste into artifacts. We produce handmade recycled products which are flower pots, office table containers, office bins, garden chairs and sanitary containers.”

Mr Banda said they sell their products to various companies and urged locals to support them. “We sell our products to real estate developers, hotels, lodges, villas, tourists, businesspeople and households. We aim to establish market points where our clients can reach out to us easily,” he said.

“We have an active social media network platform where we interact with our customers. The team is made up of seven members who have the passion to change the world using the works of our hands. The team is highly trained to keep the company evolving as we share ideas to increase our innovation.” Mr Banda said their ultimate goal is to establish sustainable waste management practices through innovation and technology that tackles poor waste management problems being faced in Africa.

“We strive to be the most admired providers of environmental protection, conservation of resources and waste management practices liaising with every stakeholder,” he said.-@mthabisi_mthire.