Armed with nothing but determination and a trash collection bag, Philile Mbhele turned the city’s waste into a lifeline for her children and elderly mother.
Durban, South Africa (26 January 2026) – From living under a bridge in Durban and sometimes rummaging through waste and discarded leftovers for her next meal, Philile Mbhele, a resilient single mother of six, has overcome significant odds.
Through recycling and programmes that inspired her potential, Philile turned her life around. With the support of DUCT Rivers, Use-It, her host organisation and the Social Employment Fund programme, she found a way to improve her circumstances and turn her life around.
Philile participated in various recycling and training initiatives, allowing her to earn a steady income, save up to start other side hustles, and subsequently build a better life for herself and her loved ones.
Waste became Philile’s lifeline.
But Philile’s story is more than just about her; it is a true representation of the “uzoyithola kanjani uhlezi ekhoneni?” (How are you going to get it, sitting in a corner?) – a motivational Zulu idiom used to encourage action, suggesting that success or opportunities cannot be found by simply idling or doing nothing on the street corner.
Despite the struggles, Philile never gave up. Not only has she been able to provide for her family, but she has also built her own home. Her story highlights the impact that a single opportunity can have on a person’s life.
“It serves as a reminder that dreams can become a reality; we just need to put in the effort and remember WHY we started!! Such stories remind us of our “WHY” we continue doing what we do as an organisation, despite the challenges and setbacks. This work is not about us; it is beyond us. We just serve as catalysts of change, and on our shoulders rest the dreams of many individuals,” DUCT says.
Thanks to such life-changing initiatives, a mother once struggling to make ends meet is now empowered and has been able to secure a roof over her family’s head.
Sources: DUCT Rivers
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