Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Collecting a can for money is back

In the olden days, collecting a can and earning a few Pula for it was the norm. Small children hustling bottles and selling them, and using the small change to buy sweets was an everyday thing.

Collecting a can and getting money for it is back with a bang. That’s according to Botswana Regional Manager for the Collect-a-Can NGO.

Revived in March of this year, the move to persevere the economy while helping Batswana who may be living below the poverty line earn some small change is back.

Fred Morwaagole, the Regional Manager of Collect-a-Can, said that though the headquarters of the organization is in South Africa, the move was inspired by the president to try and eradicate the poverty that is affecting the country day by day.

“We are targeting schools, especially those in the rural areas, individuals and those on the Ipelegeng program, amongst others. And even though we have a headquarters in Johannesburg, our organization here in Botswana is independent.”

The NGO pays P1.20 for a KG of Steel cansÔÇöwhich are mostly made up of Beer and Soft drinks cans; they pay P1.45 for a KG if the cans are baled. They pay P0.50/kg for Food cans whether loose or baled, the food cans which are made up of cans that carry Koo beans, Fish and others. The most paying KG is that of the rare aluminum cans that were originally made to carry things like Redbull. They pay P4.50/kg.

Those in areas outside Gaborone may get a very meager pay of P0.70 per KG for the commonly found beer and soft drink cans because the company deducts transport money from the P1.20 or P1.45.

Asked if the money isn’t a bit too little considering that a can is very light, he said that once they’re crushed, it can bring the weight up a little bit.
“Matter of fact, we prefer receiving baled cans.”

He advised the public to bring in their cans when they are in large numbers because that’s when they will most likely get more money.

A ton of steel cans, which he said is equivalent to a thousand KGs, can earn you up to P1450.00.
He found Ramogotsi School exemplary.

“Every month they give us about 3 tonnes of cans, which adds up to about P4┬á350.”

He explained that their company is an NGO and does not benefit anything from the move.
“We are trying to clean the environment and at the same time help Batswana where we can. We work with all the councils around the country. What we did is that we applied for a license to all the councils country-wide.”

He said that their organization helps clear some waste pits.

“We are also especially targeting people in the rural areas because that’s who we are hoping to help the most.”

He called out for all people and organizations that might be interested in joining them to come forward.

Anyone who is interested and has an idea that he/she thinks might be beneficial is welcome to email the Regional Manager at [email protected]

Morwaagole also took time to give a word of gratitude to KBL, which he said helps them clean the environment free of charge.

“They help with transporting cans from all areas outside Gaborone that they operate in. Cans are their business and so they are helping preserve and clean the environment. They are assisting us for free.”

Morwaagole explained that cans that are collected are sent back to South Africa and reused.

Anyone who would like to contact any representative in Francistown can contact Fresh or Johnson on 72738456/71231400; those in Maun and surrounding areas can contact Motsumi on 72600369; Palapye/Mahalapye/Serowe can contact Seaman on 71597328; Gaborone can contact Fredy or Israel on 74705882 or 72190717; Ghanzi can get in contact with Mokenane on 71532184; Tsabong can reach Keaolegoga on 72636486 and Kasane can reach John or Shorty on 74547652 and 77165941.

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