A Lusaka-based Manja Pamodzi aggregator has commended government for supporting the growth of social entrepreneurship among young people in Zambia.
Harrison Musonda, 33, the founder and managing director of Recyclemania Trading, received K6.9 million from President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to boost his social enterprise.
“It’s something I can’t even explain. I was very excited, you know; very humbled. I’ve been waiting to have a push like this one for a long time. This push will surely go a long way because I’ve got a passion for recycling,” he said.
Mr Musonda thanked President Lungu for the fund and wished the head of state God’s blessings.
The Recyclemania Trading founder assured the President he would put the K6.9 million to good use and empower many other youths.
“Our new recycling machine will help us add value to plastic waste. We will be making granules and sell them to end producers who will then make finished goods,” he explained.
Mr Musonda was also grateful to Zambian Breweries and the Manja Pamodzi team for turning his social entrepreneurship into reality.
“May Zambian Breweries continue doing a great job of empowering citizens. I can’t forget my father – Mr Ezekiel Sekele – who has been there to encourage me; and Madam Elaine Kafwimbi and Mr Misheck Simwanza; may God richly bless you all,” the Manja Pamodzi Aggregator said.
The social entrepreneur urged youths in the country to embrace entrepreneurship and not just wait on government for employment.
“My fellow youths should keep pushing and thinking positive always. They should stop singing the song of ‘boma ilanganepo’ (government should intervene). They should be business-minded and pick up the spirit of entrepreneurship to become their own boss,” he emphasised.
Mr Musonda joined Manja Pamodzi in 2015, and runs a waste collection point in Lusaka’s Chunga township, which benefits over 500 residents.
Manja Pamodzi has been transforming lives and protecting the environment since inception on August 25, 2015.
The recycling initiative, which is implemented by Zambian Breweries and Lusaka City Council (LCC), has recruited more than 800 collectors, more than 75% are women, with over 12,000 tonnes of recyclable waste material collected from various communities in Lusaka.
