Oasis Recycling and Waste Management Project

To make this possible partnerships were formed with various government departments, the National Development Agency, Sappi, Plastics Federation of South Africa, Fairest Cape Association & the National Lottery Distribution Board. These partnerships have resulted in the following activities: special events clean ups (e.g. J&B Met, Kenilworth; Community Chest Carnival; Two Oceans Marathon), educational programmes (green bag campaign), business & collections (monthly 1200 voluntary drops occur from domestic households), recycling & re-use production & marketing (making people aware of the service rendered by the project). The success of this project is evident by the many awards that it has received.

Innovation

When recycling was still a relatively new concept, the Oasis Association could picture the benefits that it could have for intellectually impaired individuals.

Effectiveness

24 protective workshops provide employment to 1969 people with disability. Ten (10) of these workshops provide services specifically to 1020 people with id. Oasis employs 336 workers, therefore employs 33% of this workforce with id. Achievements include the Green Award 2001 (Mail & Gaurdian/Nedbank), Caltex Environmental Award 2001, etc. Special Events Clean Ups (5 tons of material were collected at the J&B Met, Kenilworth, 154m³ of cardboard, glass bottles & cans at the Community Chest Carnival, 55m³ at the Two Oceans marathon), Educational programmes (Green Bag Campaign) etc. These materials are recycled and employment is created for people with id

Poverty Impact

The positive impact of this project relates to the many jobs that are created, while providing a secure working environment for people with id. Some of those employed are the sole breadwinners, while other caregivers are able to pursue other income generating activities.

Sustainability

Funding and income generating activities indicate that the project will be able to continue for the foreseeable future.

Replication

Replication is possible, given the necessary support from the community & government.

Partnerships:

• Provincial Administration of the Western Cape
• Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning
• Department of Social Services & Poverty Alleviation (Funding)
• Cape Metropolitan Council
• National Development Agency  (Funding)
• National Lottery Board (Funding)