Oratile Sibanyoni is a young entrepreneur with a mission.
The 21-year-old from Mamelodi, Pretoria, recently completed her N6 qualification in Business Management, and she is also the founder of NeoBin. The company is an innovative smart waste management solution designed to improve the way waste is handled. 
What makes NeoBin different from other businesses in the waste management industry is its focus on combining technology with environmental responsibility.
She has developed the NeoBin, a bin that separates waste correctly and keeps recyclables clean. The bin also has sensors that detect when it is full to avoid overflowing.
NeoBin is still in its development stages, so it does not employ anyone at the moment. But Sibanyoni is aiming high.
She aims to incorporate smart features such as sensors, automatic waste segregation, solar-powered systems, and remote monitoring capabilities.
In addition, the concept seeks to encourage recycling and educate communities about sustainable waste management practices. Rather than being just another waste company, NeoBin represents a modern solution that addresses both environmental and social challenges.
Her plans include developing fully functional prototypes, securing funding, partnering with municipalities, schools, hospitals, and private organisations, and creating employment opportunities for young people. NeoBin is more than a business idea, it is a dream to build a better future for generations to come. According to industry estimates, the waste management sector has an estimated turnover of approximately R10 billion per annum.
Sibanyoni said growing up in the sprawling township of Mamelodi exposed her to many environmental issues, particularly littering, overflowing bins, and poor waste management. These everyday challenges led to the birth of the NeoBin, a business idea that could contribute to cleaner and healthier communities.
“NeoBin was developed with the vision of promoting environmental sustainability while encouraging responsible waste disposal. The idea came from observing how traditional bins often overflow, create unpleasant environments, and fail to encourage recycling. I wanted to create something that would not only solve these problems but also make waste management smarter and more efficient,” she said.
Sibanyoni’s entrepreneurial journey has not always been easy; like many young innovators, she started with only an idea and a strong desire to make a difference.
Through research, determination, and guidance from mentors and lecturers, she refined the concept and transformed it into a business opportunity.
Her journey reached a significant milestone when she entered the Allan Gray Makers Entrepreneurship Challenge, where NeoBin competed against many promising business ideas from across South Africa.
NeoBin was declared the national winner in the Business Idea Category in 2025. This achievement strengthened her belief that young people have the power to create solutions that positively impact society.
“Currently, NeoBin is still in its development stage. Although the business has not yet been fully commercialised, progress has been made through research, presentations, networking opportunities, and prototype development. The positive response received from competitions and various stakeholders has motivated me to continue improving the concept and exploring opportunities for partnerships and funding,” she said.
As a young entrepreneur, she remains dedicated to learning, growing, and using her knowledge to create meaningful change.
