Matsebe Tshehla
Resurgence: Recycling Hub for marginalised informal waste reclaimers in Soweto, South Africa.
Johannesburg, shaped by the gold rush of 1886, has undergone rapid urban growth, leading to a surge in population and increased demand for essential resources. This expansion has created significant waste management challenges, with rising waste production overwhelming disposal facilities and littering public spaces. Inefficiencies in the waste management system further complicate public health and environmental concerns.
This research study focuses on the role of informal waste recyclers, who are vital yet often overlooked contributors to the city's waste ecosystem. Conducted in Soweto, the research aims to empower this marginalized group through innovative architectural solutions. By integrating waste management strategies with community support, the proposal seeks to improve the efficiency of recycling systems and enhance the working conditions for informal recyclers, ultimately addressing Johannesburg's waste management crisis in a sustainable and impactful manner.