The LungiJoe Ceramics & SABIC Initiative to Clean Up Langa
In a world facing growing environmental challenges, finding innovative solutions that turn problems into opportunities is critical. One such initiative, led by LungiJoe Ceramics, in partnership with SABIC and supported by Call 2 Care and Natural Engineering Solutions, is doing just that. Together, we’re transforming plastic waste into beautiful ceramics while working to clean up one of Cape Town’s oldest townships—Langa.
The Challenge of Waste in Langa
Langa, a historic township in Cape Town, faces significant environmental challenges, particularly with the accumulation of single-use plastics. However, with every challenge comes an opportunity for change, and LungiJoe Ceramics, with the support of Call 2 Care, is taking bold steps to tackle this problem by turning waste into a resource.
LungiJoe Ceramics: Sustainable Ceramics with a Purpose
Founded by Lungi, a passionate artist and environmentalist, LungiJoe Ceramics combines artistry with sustainability. This initiative, supported by SABIC and facilitated by Call 2 Care, not only helps reduce waste but also creates unique products, from sculptures to household items, showing that art can be both beautiful and sustainable.
As part of this initiative, LungiJoe Ceramics has acquired a plastic grinding machine, thanks to support from SABIC. This machine allows plastic waste collected in the community to be converted into granules, which are then incorporated into her ceramic products. Dirk Oosthuizen from Natural Engineering Solutions provided technical expertise, including training on how to effectively manage waste and use the machine optimally. The machine has become a key component in Lungi’s creative process, helping her transform waste into art.
Beneficiaries of the Initiative
Lungi’s work goes beyond creating sustainable ceramics—she is also committed to empowering the community through mentorship and education. She currently mentors 4 youth citizens year-round, offering free, hands-on training in ceramics, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. These 4 individuals benefit from personalized guidance, gaining skills that will help them build sustainable careers in the creative industry. By the end of next year, Lungi plans to double her number of mentees, further expanding the reach of her mentorship program.
In addition to her mentees, Lungi hosts paid biweekly classes for 6 to 10 participants from the local community, providing valuable training to those who want to learn how to work with ceramics. These classes help participants gain new skills while contributing to Lungi’s goal of creating a more sustainable and engaged community.
In total, Lungi’s mentorship and classes impact over 212 individuals annually, with plans for even greater reach in the coming years.
Cleaning Up Langa: A Community Effort
In addition to turning plastic waste into art, this initiative is part of a broader movement within Langa to tackle waste management challenges. LungiJoe Ceramics works closely with Polyco's Packa-Ching program, which has established a system in Langa that allows residents to exchange recyclable materials for vouchers redeemable at local retailers. Through this program, significant amounts of plastic waste are collected and repurposed into Lungi’s ceramic products, helping to clean up the environment while promoting a circular economy.
A Meaningful Mandela Day: SABIC, Call 2 Care, and LungiJoe Ceramics Unite for Community Empowerment
On 26th July 2024, SABIC, Call 2 Care, and LungiJoe Ceramics came together for an inspiring Mandela Day event at Lungi’s workshop in Langa. The day began with a welcome and introduction by Lungi and Dirk Oosthuizen, who explained the technical process of integrating plastic waste into ceramics. In preparation for this event, Dirk provided additional training to Lungi on 24th July, focusing on identifying the optimal particle sizes for incorporating waste into her artwork, further enhancing the quality of her products.
During the event, the SABIC team participated in a hands-on ceramic workshop, where they created their own products using ground-down plastic waste. After the workshop, SABIC contributed to improving Lungi’s workspace by building shelves, painting the walls, and donating a workbench. These enhancements are helping Lungi transform her workshop into a hub for learning and production, where she can continue mentoring her students and expanding her business.
The Way Forward: A Focus on Growth and Sustainability
Looking ahead, LungiJoe Ceramics has ambitious plans for the future. Lungi is currently producing ceramic products that incorporate recycled plastic waste, which she intends to showcase and market at the Kamers Vol Geskenke Market, held at Blaauwklippen Estate, Stellenbosch, from 22 to 27 October 2024. This will be an exciting opportunity to introduce her products to a wider audience and gain exposure for her sustainable creations.
In addition, Dirk is continuing to support Lungi by sourcing a sufficient sieve to ensure she achieves the optimal particle size for her ceramic creations. He will also provide further training to help Lungi implement a carbon offsetting business model, ensuring her business not only contributes to reducing plastic waste but also has a positive impact on carbon emissions.
With these continued efforts, LungiJoe Ceramics is well on its way to becoming a center of sustainability and innovation, where waste is transformed into valuable products, and community members are empowered with skills that can drive long-term environmental and economic change.
Call to Action: Opportunities for Further Involvement
As this initiative grows, there are many opportunities for others to get involved. Call 2 Care invites funders and organizations to support projects that focus on waste sequestering and entrepreneurship empowerment. If your organization is interested in contributing to a greener and more sustainable future, contact Call 2 Care to explore collaboration opportunities.
Together, we can expand the impact of this initiative, reach more communities, and create a lasting legacy of sustainability.
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