The dusty road into kaNcesi, a short distance from the iconic Maguga Dam, home to Machegwini Primary School, is now the proud home of a gleaming new Recycling Waste Centre.
This milestone is the fruit of a groundbreaking collaboration between Yibutse Green Action and the British High Commission, bringing environmental innovation to a school that has long been a quiet but committed partner in environmental stewardship.
The Gospel of Recycling Goes to School
This initiative marks a key strategic objective for Yibutse Green Action’s 2025/2026 environmental vision: to take the gospel of recycling to the next level, beginning with schools as catalysts for lasting change.
The new centre, funded by the visionary and generous support of the British High Commission, will be equipped with sorting bays, labelled bins, storage spaces for separated waste, and colourful educational posters in both English and siSwati.
“This is not just about waste management; it’s about changing mindsets, building responsibility, and securing a greener tomorrow,” says Musa Ndlangamandla, Executive Director of Yibutse Green Action, standing before the crowd.
“We chose to begin here because children are the most powerful agents of change. They will take these lessons home, influencing their parents, relatives, and neighbours. Over time, the entire community will become part of the movement.”
With emotion in his voice, Ndlangamandla: “We are profoundly grateful to the British High Commission. The British High Commission understands that rural communities matter, that every child deserves the tools to fight climate change, and that innovation should reach even the furthest corners of our country,” Ndlangamandla says. “The British High Commission has planted a seed here that will grow for generations. On behalf of kaNcesi, and Machegwini Primary School, siyabonga kakhulu.”
A Hub for Learning, A Lifeline for the Vulnerable
The Recycling Waste Centre will teach pupils how to separate plastics, paper, glass and metal from general waste. These same pupils will act as recycling ambassadors, spreading the knowledge to their families and neighbours.
To sustain the project, the school will offer waste separation services to local businesses for a small fee. Partnered recycling companies will buy the materials and contribute extra support through their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes.
The funds raised will flow into a dedicated account managed by the school, providing school fees, uniforms, meals for hungry learners, and support for pupils with special needs.
A Headteacher’s Pride and Vision
Headteacher Ms. Susan Motsa beams with pride, the joy in her voice carrying across the courtyard. “We are eternally grateful to the British High Commission for their generous support, and to Yibutse Green Action for their unwavering partnership,” she says.
“In 2023, Yibutse brought the European Union Eswatini Delegation here for a clean-up and waste management project, and now they return with this life-changing, history-making project funded by the British High Commission. This is more than a building; it is a beacon of hope. Our pupils will gain practical skills on climate change adaptation and mitigation, giving them the tools to protect their environment and shape their futures.”
Spreading a Green and Giving Culture
To keep the momentum alive, Yibutse Green Action is launching an Eco Club at the school. Pupils will lead clean-up campaigns, run recycling drives, and inspire other schools in the community to follow their example.
“My son told me we can’t burn our plastic bottles anymore,” says Sabelo Nxumalo, a father. “He showed me how to separate them for the school. This project is teaching our children responsibility and helping us, too.”
Twelve-year-old Nomvula Gamedze smiles shyly before speaking up. “Even a small bottle can help a friend get a school uniform. We will be helping the community and helping each other.”
A Community’s Voice of Thanks
For the people of kaNcesi, the centre will be a symbol of dignity, opportunity, and respect. Local elder Gogo Mncina raises her hands in thanks.
“We never dreamed of having such a facility here. Yibutse has seen our children, valued our school, and given us something that will outlast all of us. May they be blessed for this gift.”
As the building takes shape, the excitement is palpable, and the community is looking forward to exploring the facility. They stand ready not just to collect waste, but to ignite change. Ndlangamandla offers the final word: “This is more than a recycling project. It’s a promise kept, a partnership honoured, and a legacy begun. The British High Commission has shown that when we work together, even the smallest community can lead in the fight against climate change. From kaNcesi to the world, we say thank you, thank you, and thank you.