General Info

“Trash is cash” has proved to be one of the most popular & feasible income-generation projects with Kolping families based within Cape Town. The concept is simple: members of the families collect recyclable waste daily from their homes, streets and communities. Every week the recyclable waste is collected from all the families involved and sold in bulk. Thus, each family receives an income based on the amount of waste collected & sold.

The recycling project not only affords members the opportunity to make income from collecting waste (which is readily available) but also raises awareness around the need to protect the environment and works towards cleaner communities.

Read more about one of the Top Kolping Recyclers.

It is estimated that more than half of South Africans live below the poverty line, with many people literally unable to “put food on the table” for themselves and their children. Outside of addressing the root causes of poverty, some of the families have responded by providing outreach to those most in need and at risk in their community.

Read more about how one of the Kolping families is reaching out to the poorest of the poor.

South Africa has a long and strong history when it comes to art & crafts, particularly in terms of beadwork. Many members have used the beading, weaving and sewing skills that they have learnt from their parents & grandparents. Despite this being a competitive industry, this remains a popular means for many of the Kolping members to generate an income; perhaps even more importantly of holding on & reinforcing local traditions in this modern age.

In addressing the issue of sustainability and reinforcing a culture of self-reliance. A pilot is currently being run whereby Kolping members in the poorer communities are being encouraged to embark on community-based savings that afford members the opportunity to save as individuals (for personal needs) and as a collective (towards agreed to group needs, usually project related).  Outside of the given economic/financial benefits of embarking on saving, there are also deep-rooted social benefits such as building trust, accountability and unity amongst members.