This site requires JavaScript to be enabled. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings, or upgrade to a modern browser.

EKASINOMICS: Mthembu trades trash to uplift community.

Loading player...

Smanga Mthembu, a Soweto entrepreneur who is making a difference in his community through his recycling business, is living up to the Nelson Mandela Day theme to ‘Do what you can, with what you have, where you are’.

By transforming an illegal dumping site into a reliable, award-winning recycling business called Umphakathi Recyclers, the 30-year-old is empowering his community and helping to provide dignified funerals, while looking after the environment.

26 Oct 2022 6AM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Ekasinomics — Soweto’s Tech Visionary Transforming SME Growth

Joining the Ekasinomics feature today is KK Diaz, a Soweto‑based tech entrepreneur and author of eight business books, who just launched an AI‑powered business operating system that could reshape how SMEs plan, execute, and scale.

1 Apr 4PM 8 min

Ford’s Neale Hill on becoming one of the architects of Africa’s Modern Era

We unpack the journey of the man who went from intern to president of Ford Africa and the impact he had in growing the local economy. Neale Hill joins us to talk about navigating supply chain shocks, multi-billion-rand investments, and Africa’s mobility future.

1 Apr 4PM 41 min

Inside Your Business: Liquidations hit SME sectors the hardest

South Africa’s business landscape remains under strain. New data from Stats SA shows that 135 companies were liquidated in February—a slight improvement from last year, but still a sign of persistent financial pressure across the economy. Aroni Chaudhuri, Chief Economist at Coface Africa, helps explain what these numbers mean for…

1 Apr 4PM 9 min

SARS delivers record-breaking revenue collection

The Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Edward Kieswetter, today tabled the strongest annual revenue collection numbers in democratic history. He joins us to reflect on the numbers and his tenure at SARS as he steps down from the role.

1 Apr 4PM 15 min

SA's New vehicle sales sure in March

South Africa's new vehicle market extended gains in March 2026, growing by 17.3 percent from a year ago. Dr. Paulina Mamogobo, Naamsa Chief Economist, joins us to unpack fresh numbers out today.

1 Apr 4PM 14 min

All episodes