A Day in the Life of a Johannesburg Waste Picker

While Johannesburg sleeps, Ernestine Mohloboli begins her daily routine as a waste picker, navigating the city with her trolley in search of recyclable materials. Clad in warm layers, gloves, and a reflective outfit to ensure visibility in the dark, she sets out before dawn to collect bottles, plastic, and other items discarded by residents.

Her day starts with a 3km trek from Bertrams to Commissioner Street, where she digs through bins, searching for valuables among the refuse. This labor-intensive job is shared by thousands of reclaimers who play an essential role in keeping the city clean and reducing landfill waste, significantly saving costs for the municipal waste management entity, Pikitup.

Since transitioning from creating African-inspired art after losing her previous job in 2013, Mohloboli has found purpose in this new line of work, inspired by her friend who introduced her to recycling. As the sun rises, she meticulously goes through local flats' bins, filling her trolley before heading to the depot on Harrison Street.

By this time, Johannesburg is bustling with early morning traffic. Once at the depot, she sorts her collection in the basement, proud of the contributions she makes as the sole provider for her two children, aged 16 and 18. On a good day, Mohloboli can earn around R500, which she finds satisfying amidst the broader challenges faced by reclaimers.

Despite the risks associated with her job, Mohloboli feels safe during her early shifts, expressing confidence in her routine. Her work not only sustains her family but also instills a sense of pride and purpose in her life.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za