Umlazi entrepreneur Minentle Sibonelo Simelane is turning plastic waste into unique fashion pieces, including jackets and pants, through his business Umlazi Art and Recycling.
For Simelane, plastic waste is more than rubbish. It is a raw material for creativity, entrepreneurship and environmental change.
The Durban based artist spent five years without a job after matriculating in 2018. His childhood experiences in Umlazi and passion for fashion influenced his decision to establish the business. Umlazi Art and Recycling collects plastic from government schools, tuckshops and individuals. Some materials are also collected from rivers, washed and then used in the crocheting process.
“The plastics I use are too weak to be recycled, so I use them for something else,” Simelane said.
His concern about plastic pollution grew from childhood memories of swimming and fishing in a local river in Umlazi. Over time, he noticed the effect pollution was having on the environment.
“I noticed that people cannot use the river anymore because of plastic pollution in the society,” he said.
This encouraged him to find a creative use for discarded materials.
“I wanted to turn what people see as waste into art,” he said.
Simelane began experimenting with plastic and sharing his creations on Facebook. One of his knitted mats attracted significant attention, receiving more than 2 000 shares in one day.
“People were amazed and inspired because it was not a thing that they were familiar with,” he said.
The attention soon created business opportunities, with orders coming from across South Africa. His grandmother also played an important role in developing his skills by teaching him how to crochet.
“I want to give my grandmother special credit because I think she’s the one who taught me how to crochet,” he said.
Simelane initially intended to crochet traditional mats before expanding the concept to fashion.
“The initial idea when I started my business was to crochet traditional mats,” he added.
He stated that his love for fashion became another driving force behind the business.
“What encouraged me mostly is that I love fashion,” he said.
Coming from an underprivileged family, Simelane said he did not always have the opportunity to express his artistic side. Through his business, he has combined fashion, art and environmental awareness.
“Supporting my business is not just supporting my business, it’s also saving the environment,” he said.
However, the business faces challenges, including a lack of workspace and transportation. Simelane currently works from his room, while his co-workers operate from their homes.
“We cannot use public transportation with huge bags of recycling material,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Simelane believes the unconventional nature of his business gives it a competitive advantage.
“My business is unique because it is one of a kind from other clothing brands globally,” he said.
“It is not every day where you find a fashion designer that uses recycling material.”
The business targets environmentally conscious consumers, art lovers, young social media users and customers interested in sustainable and distinctive fashion. Its creations have been supplied to Woza Moya & Friends art galleries and featured at the Secret Sands Sustainable Fashion Show in Port Edward. For Simelane, the environmental purpose remains central to the business.
“The business benefits the environment by keeping it clean,” he said.
His ultimate ambition is to expand beyond the local market.
“My ultimate goal is to be recognised globally,” he said.
Through Umlazi Art and Recycling, Simelane is combining fashion, art, recycling and entrepreneurship to give discarded plastic a new purpose.
