By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Meet Maselloane Phumane, the visionary founder of Batloung Foods and Siloe Nutrition Club, who is deeply committed to sustainable development, environmental preservation, and community empowerment in Lesotho. She has built her business around the core principle of merging entrepreneurship with eco-conscious practices. This not only benefits the local economy but also promotes responsible waste management.
At the heart of Siloe Nutrition Club is the practice of reuse and recycling. Recognising the significant impact of waste on the environment, the club tirelessly works to mitigate this through innovative recycling methods. Waste materials such as packaging and plastic are repurposed into valuable products that serve the community while conserving the environment.
For instance, long-life milk carton packaging is transformed into practical items like Colgate toothbrush holders and fabric storage solutions. Additionally, waste from 2-liter Oros bottles and 5-liter cooking oil containers is creatively turned into beautiful flower pots and other decorative pieces. These efforts not only reduce waste accumulation but also contribute to a sustainable, circular economy.
Maselloane believes that sustainable business practices can drive economic growth. By focusing on recycling and upcycling, the club not only lessens the strain on local landfills but also creates opportunities for local employment and skill development. Waste materials are collected, cleaned, and transformed into new products that are then sold both locally and internationally. This focus on waste reduction helps preserve the environment while contributing to the growth of a green economy in Lesotho.
The club envisions a future where innovation, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship are central to its business model. It sees itself as a leader in promoting sustainability, not just within Lesotho but also to the wider world.
Through its efforts in recycling and waste management, Siloe Nutrition club aims to inspire other businesses and individuals to take responsibility for their impact on the environment. Additionally, Maselloane plans to engage with tourists, showcasing Lesotho’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability, and offering them an opportunity to see first-hand the creative processes involved in recycling.
In line with its mission, the club focuses on empowering the local community by providing jobs and teaching valuable skills. By using locally available waste materials, the club supports small-scale farmers, suppliers, and workers involved in the production process. This creates a ripple effect, as individuals are trained in recycling, entrepreneurship, and product creation. The company’s efforts ensure that sustainable practices are woven into the fabric of the community, benefiting everyone from the producers to the consumers.
Mr. Thabo Mohase, a dedicated member of the Siloe Nutrition Club, shared the numerous benefits he has gained from his involvement in the club. Through participation, he has acquired new farming skills, weaving, and has received valuable education on proper nutritional intake. These skills and knowledge have significantly improved his quality of life.
Ms. Mathabiso Namanyane, another enthusiastic member of the club, emphasised the importance of joining such a community. She noted that, like many other clubs, they face challenges such as a lack of funding to purchase essential products that are difficult to source through waste material collection.
Additionally, they struggle with finding a market to sell their products. Despite these obstacles, Ms. Namanyane highlighted the immense value of the training they have received. One notable success has been their ability to cultivate mushrooms, a task that was previously very challenging for them. This newfound capability is a testament to the effectiveness of the training provided by the club.
An essential aspect of the club is the role in attracting tourists to Lesotho. As a showcase of Lesotho’s creativity and environmental commitment, the club offers tourists a chance to see how waste materials are transformed into high-quality, sustainable products. By providing insights into the local culture and the importance of waste reduction, the company hopes to inspire others to take up the cause of sustainability wherever they are. Lesotho, with its rich culture and commitment to preserving the environment, offers a unique backdrop for this type of business, positioning itself as a role model for sustainable development on the global stage.
Through recycling practices, the club is not only helping to address environmental issues but also creating opportunities for growth and empowerment within Lesotho. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and community, they are setting the stage for a greener, more sustainable future that aligns with the broader goals of environmental preservation and responsible entrepreneurship.